1958 Ford 17 vs. 2008 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 50 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 204 more horse power than 1958 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Ford 17 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
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, 2008 Ford Taurus, 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, 2008 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford 17. (129 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford 17. 2008 Ford Taurus 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. 2008 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford 17 | 2008 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | 17 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6251 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4501 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 78 L |
