1986 Citroen Visa vs. 1959 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1986 Citroen Visa is newer by 27 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 1,579 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Citroen Visa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Citroen Visa (106 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (38 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Citroen Visa should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Citroen Visa weights approximately 90 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, 1986 Citroen Visa, 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 Citroen Visa (134 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1986 Citroen Visa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Citroen Visa | 1959 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | Visa | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1579 cc | 996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 117 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2220 mm |
