1978 Citroen CX vs. 1961 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1978 Citroen CX is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Citroen CX (74 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Citroen CX should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Citroen CX weights approximately 592 kg more than 1961 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 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 1961 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Citroen CX, 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, 1978 Citroen CX (149 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Citroen CX | 1961 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | CX | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2220 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 54 L |
