1985 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1959 Ford 17M
To start off, 1985 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 26 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 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Chevrolet Caprice (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 785 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, 1985 Chevrolet Caprice (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 226 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1985 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M. 1985 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1959 Ford 17M has manual transmission. 1959 Ford 17M will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Chevrolet Caprice | 1959 Ford 17M | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Caprice | 17M |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5032 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2610 mm |
