1974 Austin Maxi vs. 1959 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1974 Austin Maxi is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,485 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Austin Maxi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Austin Maxi (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (38 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Austin Maxi should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Austin Maxi weights approximately 180 kg more than 1959 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ford Prefect is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Austin Maxi, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1974 Austin Maxi (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1974 Austin Maxi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Austin Maxi | 1959 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Maxi | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2220 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 54 L |
