1959 Ford 17M vs. 1978 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 1978 Plymouth Horizon is newer by 19 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 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Plymouth Horizon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Plymouth Horizon (75 HP) has 16 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Plymouth Horizon should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford 17M weights approximately 115 kg more than 1978 Plymouth Horizon.
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, 1978 Plymouth Horizon, 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, 1978 Plymouth Horizon (122 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1978 Plymouth Horizon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 1978 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | 17M | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 75 HP |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2530 mm |
