1971 Ford 17 vs. 1988 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 1988 Suzuki Vitara is newer by 17 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 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Suzuki Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Suzuki Vitara (75 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1971 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Vitara should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford 17 weights approximately 65 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Vitara.
Because 1988 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1971 Ford 17. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Suzuki Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 Suzuki Vitara (123 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford 17. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Suzuki Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford 17 | 1988 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | 17 | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2210 mm |
