1958 Ford 17 vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 54 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 247 more horse power than 1958 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 485 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford 17. (129 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford 17. 2012 Lexus IS 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. 2012 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford 17 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | 17 | IS |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 65 L |
