1971 Ford 17 vs. 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford 17 would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (123 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1971 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 420 kg more than 1971 Ford 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Ford 17. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight, 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, 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (264 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford 17. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford 17 | 1985 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 17 | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
