1959 Ford 17M vs. 1989 Volvo 480
To start off, 1989 Volvo 480 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Volvo 480 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford 17M weights approximately 115 kg more than 1989 Volvo 480.
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 Volvo 480, 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 Volvo 480 (141 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1989 Volvo 480 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 1989 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | 17M | 480 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2510 mm |
