1959 Ford 17M vs. 2001 Mazda 6
To start off, 2001 Mazda 6 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda 6 (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda 6 weights approximately 235 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, 2001 Mazda 6, 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, 2001 Mazda 6 (181 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2001 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 2001 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | 17M | 6 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
