1959 Ford 17M vs. 1988 Renault 21
To start off, 1988 Renault 21 is newer by 29 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 1,870 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Renault 21 (64 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford 17M weights approximately 10 kg more than 1988 Renault 21.
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, 1988 Renault 21, 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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Renault 21. (118 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1959 Ford 17M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 1988 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | 17M | 21 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2820 mm |
