1959 Ford 17M vs. 2007 Opel Astra
To start off, 2007 Opel Astra is newer by 48 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Opel Astra (138 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Opel Astra weights approximately 163 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, 2007 Opel Astra, 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, 2007 Opel Astra (175 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2007 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 2007 Opel Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | 17M | Astra |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 88.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1278 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 52 L |
