1957 Ford 17M vs. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Ford 17M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford 17M would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1957 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 830 kg more than 1957 Ford 17M. 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, 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (381 Nm) has 252 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Ford 17M. (129 Nm). This means 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Ford 17M. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser has automatic transmission and 1957 Ford 17M has manual transmission. 1957 Ford 17M will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford 17M | 1972 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 17M | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 3080 mm |
