1959 Ford 17M vs. 2011 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 52 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, 2011 Volkswagen Polo (178 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 154 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, 2011 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2011 Volkswagen Polo (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M. 2011 Volkswagen Polo 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. 2011 Volkswagen Polo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 2011 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | 17M | Polo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1269 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2470 mm |
