1959 Ford 17M vs. 1979 Renault 5
To start off, 1979 Renault 5 is newer by 20 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, 1979 Renault 5 (159 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford 17M weights approximately 145 kg more than 1979 Renault 5.
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, 1979 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1979 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 1979 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | 17M | 5 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 56 L |
