1968 Ford 17 vs. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix is newer by 29 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 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (240 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 558 kg more than 1968 Ford 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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, 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix (380 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 17 | 1997 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | 17 | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 66 L |
