1968 Ford 17 vs. 1974 Renault 17
To start off, 1974 Renault 17 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 1,606 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Renault 17 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Renault 17 (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Renault 17 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Ford 17 weights approximately 1 kg more than 1974 Renault 17.
Because 1968 Ford 17 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 1968 Ford 17. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Renault 17, 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, 1974 Renault 17 (136 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1974 Renault 17 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 17 | 1974 Renault 17 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | 17 | 17 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70.9 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
