1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 1959 Ford 17M
To start off, 1972 Ford Gran Torino is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford 17M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford 17M would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (97 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Gran Torino should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 530 kg more than 1959 Ford 17M. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 1959 Ford 17M | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Gran Torino | 17M |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1645 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
