2009 Citroen C3 vs. 1956 Ford Prefect
To start off, 2009 Citroen C3 is newer by 53 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Citroen C3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Citroen C3 (108 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1956 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C3 should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Citroen C3 weights approximately 293 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.
Because 1956 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 1956 Ford Prefect. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C3, 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, 2009 Citroen C3 (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Prefect. 2009 Citroen C3 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. 2009 Citroen C3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen C3 | 1956 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | C3 | Prefect |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.5 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1058 kg | 765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2220 mm |
