1959 Ford 17M vs. 2009 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2009 Smart ForTwo 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 Smart ForTwo (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M.
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 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1959 Ford 17M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 2009 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | 17M | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 81.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 2700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 1870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 33 L |
