1958 Ford 17 vs. 1983 Subaru Rex
To start off, 1983 Subaru Rex is newer by 25 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 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1958 Ford 17 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Ford 17 (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1983 Subaru Rex. (31 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Ford 17 should accelerate faster than 1983 Subaru Rex. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Ford 17 weights approximately 560 kg more than 1983 Subaru Rex. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Ford 17 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 1958 Ford 17. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Subaru Rex, 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, 1958 Ford 17 (129 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Subaru Rex. (43 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1958 Ford 17 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Subaru Rex.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford 17 | 1983 Subaru Rex | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | 17 | Rex |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 43 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2260 mm |
