1996 Ford Ka vs. 1959 Ford 17M
To start off, 1996 Ford Ka is newer by 37 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, 1959 Ford 17M (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1996 Ford Ka. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Ford 17M should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford 17M weights approximately 207 kg more than 1996 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Ford Ka, 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1959 Ford 17M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 1959 Ford 17M | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Ka | 17M |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 55 L |
