1959 Ford 17M vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 46 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 730 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 341 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 17M | SL |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
