1959 Ford 17M vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 50 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 10 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M. 2009 Mazda RX-8 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. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | 17M | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
