1998 Chevrolet Metro vs. 1959 Ford Popular
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Metro is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Popular. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Popular would be higher. At 1,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Ford Popular is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Metro (53 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1959 Ford Popular. (26 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Metro should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Popular. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Metro weights approximately 165 kg more than 1959 Ford Popular. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Ford Popular 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 Popular. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Metro, 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, 1998 Chevrolet Metro (79 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Popular. (63 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Metro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Popular.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Metro | 1959 Ford Popular | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Metro | Popular |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 999 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 79 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2300 mm |
