1961 Ford Prefect vs. 1957 Ford 17M
To start off, 1961 Ford Prefect is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Ford 17M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford 17M would be higher. At 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Ford 17M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Ford 17M (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1961 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Ford 17M should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Ford 17M weights approximately 337 kg more than 1961 Ford Prefect. 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, 1957 Ford 17M (129 Nm) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm). This means 1957 Ford 17M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Prefect | 1957 Ford 17M | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Prefect | 17M |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 1698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 778 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
