1959 Ford 17M vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 30 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 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix (158 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 320 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix (203 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M. 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix has automatic transmission and 1959 Ford 17M has manual transmission. 1959 Ford 17M will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 1989 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | 17M | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
