1968 Ford 17 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Ford 17 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 55 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 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 17 | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | 17 | Golf |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
