1959 Ford 17M vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 27 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 11 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ford 17M should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford 17M weights approximately 290 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. 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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1959 Ford 17M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | 17M | Escort |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1115 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
