1995 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1959 Ford 17M
To start off, 1995 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 36 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, 1995 Caterham Super 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford 17M weights approximately 561 kg more than 1995 Caterham Super 7.
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, 1995 Caterham Super 7 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1995 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham Super 7 | 1959 Ford 17M | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | Super 7 | 17M |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 554 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 55 L |
