1959 Ford 17M vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 53 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 730 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, 2012 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | 17M | 535 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
