1959 Ford 17M vs. 2003 Proton 400
To start off, 2003 Proton 400 is newer by 44 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 1,697 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Ford 17M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Proton 400 (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Proton 400 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford 17M weights approximately 125 kg more than 2003 Proton 400.
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, 2003 Proton 400, 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, 1959 Ford 17M (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Proton 400. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Ford 17M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Proton 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 2003 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Ford | Proton |
| Model | 17M | 400 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2510 mm |
