1968 Ford 17 vs. 2008 Rover 45
To start off, 2008 Rover 45 is newer by 40 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 1,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Rover 45 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Rover 45 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Rover 45 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Rover 45 weights approximately 284 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, 2008 Rover 45, 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, 2008 Rover 45 (185 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Rover 45 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 17 | 2008 Rover 45 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | 17 | 45 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70.9 mm | 66.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1056 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
