1959 Ford 17M vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 25 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta (109 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford 17M weights approximately 165 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta.
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, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta (158 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | 17M | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
