1959 Ford 17M vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 45 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (108 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford 17M weights approximately 5 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (135 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | 17M | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
