1958 Ford 17 vs. 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass is newer by 26 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 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass (124 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1958 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 95 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 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, 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass, 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, 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass (203 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford 17. (129 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford 17. 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1958 Ford 17 has manual transmission. 1958 Ford 17 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford 17 | 1984 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 17 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2640 mm |
