1976 Ford Escort vs. 1956 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1976 Ford Escort is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Ford Prefect is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Escort (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1956 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Escort weights approximately 145 kg more than 1956 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1956 Ford Prefect (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1956 Ford Prefect will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Escort | 1956 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2220 mm |
