1959 Ford Popular vs. 1986 Ford Meteor
To start off, 1986 Ford Meteor is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Popular. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Popular would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Meteor is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Meteor (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1959 Ford Popular. (26 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Meteor should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Popular.
Because 1959 Ford Popular 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 Popular. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Meteor, 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, 1986 Ford Meteor (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Popular. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Meteor will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Popular.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Popular | 1986 Ford Meteor | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Popular | Meteor |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 26 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3880 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2410 mm |
