1959 Ford 17M vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,697 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Ford 17M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (84 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 114 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | 17M | Golf |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2012 |
| 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 | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1229 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
