2001 Ford Ka vs. 1954 Ford Prefect
To start off, 2001 Ford Ka is newer by 47 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 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Ka (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1954 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1954 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Ka weights approximately 115 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, 2001 Ford Ka, 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, 2001 Ford Ka (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Ka | 1954 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Ka | Prefect |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2220 mm |
