1959 Ford 17M vs. 2005 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2005 Smart ForTwo 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 1,697 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Ford 17M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart ForTwo (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford 17M weights approximately 300 kg more than 2005 Smart ForTwo.
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, 1959 Ford 17M (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1959 Ford 17M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 2005 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | 17M | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 33 L |
