1958 Ford 17 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 28 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 1,751 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 59 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Ford 17 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort.
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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1958 Ford 17 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford 17 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | 17 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
