1959 Ford 17M vs. 1989 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1989 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volkswagen Golf (210 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford 17M weights approximately 325 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1989 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1959 Ford 17M. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Golf (252 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1989 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 1989 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | 17M | Golf |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2480 mm |
