1986 Ford Escort vs. 1959 Ford 17M
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort 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 1,697 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Ford 17M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (75 HP) has 16 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford 17M weights approximately 265 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort.
Because 1959 Ford 17M is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1959 Ford 17M. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1959 Ford 17M (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1959 Ford 17M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1959 Ford 17M | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | 17M |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2610 mm |
