1988 Ford Sierra vs. 1971 Ford 17
To start off, 1988 Ford Sierra is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford 17 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Sierra (74 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1971 Ford 17. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford 17 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1988 Ford Sierra.
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, 1988 Ford Sierra (123 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford 17. (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Sierra | 1971 Ford 17 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Sierra | 17 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1015 kg | 1075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |
