1978 Ford Mustang vs. 1959 Ford 17M
To start off, 1978 Ford Mustang is newer by 19 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 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Mustang (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Mustang weights approximately 175 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, 1978 Ford Mustang (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Mustang | 1959 Ford 17M | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | 17M |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2610 mm |
