1986 Austin Maestro vs. 1954 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1986 Austin Maestro is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,274 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Austin Maestro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Austin Maestro (66 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1954 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Austin Maestro should accelerate faster than 1954 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Austin Maestro weights approximately 150 kg more than 1954 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1954 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 1954 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Austin Maestro, 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, 1986 Austin Maestro (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1986 Austin Maestro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Austin Maestro | 1954 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Maestro | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1274 cc | 1170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 915 kg | 765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2220 mm |
