1959 Ford 17M vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 54 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1959 Ford 17M. (59 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford 17M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 319 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.
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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford 17M. (120 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford 17M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford 17M | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | 17M | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1697 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.6 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
