1958 Ford 17 vs. 1985 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1985 GMC Suburban is newer by 27 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 4,299 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 GMC Suburban (153 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1958 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1125 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 1985 GMC Suburban 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, 1985 GMC Suburban 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, 1985 GMC Suburban (312 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford 17. (129 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford 17. 1985 GMC Suburban 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. 1985 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford 17 | 1985 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | 17 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 4299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 2240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 3300 mm |
