1958 Ford 17 vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G
To start off, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford 17 would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mercedes-Benz G is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G (125 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1958 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz G weights approximately 815 kg more than 1958 Ford 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Mercedes-Benz G is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1958 Ford 17. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G will offer significantly more control. 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, 1981 Mercedes-Benz G (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford 17. (129 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Mercedes-Benz G will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford 17 | 1981 Mercedes-Benz G | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 17 | G |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2860 mm |
