1959 Ford 17M vs. 2006 Ford Ka
To start off, 2006 Ford Ka is newer by 47 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, 2006 Ford Ka (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ka weights approximately 25 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, 2006 Ford Ka, 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, 2006 Ford Ka (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 2006 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | 17M | Ka |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
