1958 Ford Zodiac vs. 1959 Ford 17M
To start off, 1959 Ford 17M is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,550 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Ford Zodiac (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 77 kg more than 1959 Ford 17M. 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, 1958 Ford Zodiac (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1958 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford Zodiac | 1959 Ford 17M | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Zodiac | 17M |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2550 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2610 mm |
