2003 BMW 318 vs. 1959 Ford 17M
To start off, 2003 BMW 318 is newer by 44 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 318 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1959 Ford 17M. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 BMW 318 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 318 | 1959 Ford 17M | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 318 | 17M |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
