1959 Ford 17M vs. 1974 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford 17M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford 17M would be higher. At 1,697 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Ford 17M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Ford 17M (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ford 17M should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford 17M weights approximately 295 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ford 17M 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 1959 Ford 17M. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 1959 Ford 17M (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Ford 17M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 1974 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | 17M | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2410 mm |
