1959 Ford 17M vs. 1996 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1996 Ford Mustang is newer by 37 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 275 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M. 1996 Ford Mustang 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. 1996 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 1996 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | 17M | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2580 mm |
