1986 Buick Regal vs. 1959 Ford 17M
To start off, 1986 Buick Regal is newer by 27 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Buick Regal is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Buick Regal (235 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Buick Regal should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Buick Regal weights approximately 375 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, 1986 Buick Regal (448 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1986 Buick Regal will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M. 1986 Buick Regal 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. 1986 Buick Regal will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Buick Regal | 1959 Ford 17M | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Regal | 17M |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
