1959 Ford 17M vs. 2006 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2006 Nissan Altima 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 2,491 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Altima weights approximately 425 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 Nissan Altima, 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 Nissan Altima (245 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 2006 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | 17M | Altima |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 76 L |
