1979 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1956 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1979 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 23 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 5,731 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (135 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1956 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 1048 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, 1979 Ford Thunderbird (386 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Prefect. 1979 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 1956 Ford Prefect has manual transmission. 1956 Ford Prefect will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ford Thunderbird | 1956 Ford Prefect | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Thunderbird | Prefect |
Year Released | 1979 | 1956 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5731 cc | 1172 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 31 HP |
Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Torque | 386 Nm | 71 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 2150 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 63.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 92.5 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1813 kg | 765 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 3850 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1550 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2220 mm |