1959 Ford 17M vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 1988 Saab 9000 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (136 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 9000 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1959 Ford 17M. 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, 1988 Saab 9000, 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, 1988 Saab 9000 (172 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Ford | Saab |
| Model | 17M | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 54 L |
