1958 Ford 17 vs. 1990 Rover Metro
To start off, 1990 Rover Metro is newer by 32 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, 1990 Rover Metro (95 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1958 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Rover Metro should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Ford 17 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1990 Rover Metro.
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, 1990 Rover Metro, 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 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Rover Metro. (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1958 Ford 17 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Rover Metro.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford 17 | 1990 Rover Metro | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | 17 | Metro |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 35 L |
