1959 Ford 17M vs. 2001 BMW 325
To start off, 2001 BMW 325 is newer by 42 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 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 325 weights approximately 570 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, 2001 BMW 325 (250 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M. 2001 BMW 325 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. 2001 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 2001 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | 17M | 325 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 62 L |
