1957 Ford 17M vs. 1985 Mazda 323
To start off, 1985 Mazda 323 is newer by 28 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 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Ford 17M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mazda 323 (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1957 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Ford 17M weights approximately 175 kg more than 1985 Mazda 323.
Because 1957 Ford 17M 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 1957 Ford 17M. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Mazda 323, 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, 1985 Mazda 323 (137 Nm) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Ford 17M. (129 Nm). This means 1985 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford 17M | 1985 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | 17M | 323 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2410 mm |
