This chart compares the six cylinder cars listed in "Cycle and Automobile" magazine for 1907. The Ford Six (Model K) is the least expensive six cylinder offered. The next several competitors listed according to price:
Name/.............$........Horse....wheel.......weight......HP/
.Make...........Cost.....Power.....base.......(lbs.).......weight
Ford............$2800.......40........120.........2600........65 lbs.
Stevens
Duryea........$3500.......35.........xxx.........2300........66 lbs.
Franklin......$4000.......30.........128..........2400.......80 lbs.
Gearless.....$4000......75..........128........3000........40 lbs.
Hewitt 8 cyl.$4500.....50-60......108........xxxx.........xxxx
National......$5000.......75.........125........3600........48 lbs.
Nordyke 8cyl $5000.....75.........128....... 3650.......49 lbs.
Marmon
Chadwick....$5500......50..........124........3100.......62 lbs.
Welch.........$6000.......70..........138........3500......50 lbs.
Stevens......$6000.......50..........122........3500......70 lbs.
Duryea
Pierce.........$6500.......65...........135.......xxxxx......xxxx
As you see, prices escalate quickly for six cylinder cars in 1907. The Ford Six is by far the least expensive, and in some instances competitive in the weight to horsepower ratio. This is pretty elite company in 1907.
I'll follow with photos as soon as I'm able.
Enjoy,
Rob
Cool data Rob. The price differences are really something. A Pierce Arrow is quite a bit over twice the price of the Ford. And once again it's interesting none of these cars except Ford are still around today. It would be interesting to see how the Ford would compare in maintenance costs.
It would be interesting to compare just the Gearless to the Ford. Price is only 33% more, yet there is almost double the horsepower. Would love to put the two cars side by side at a car show to see how they truly compare. Does the Gearless have more accessories or is it just more expensive? If most roads are still dirt, what advantage is there in more horsepower?
The pics with specs:
Mike,
We've owned our N now for several years. And while not quite as simple as a T for maintenance (the primary difference being a separate, grease "flinging" transmission), in some ways the N is easier to maintain. I suppose the lack of a magneto fives the edge to the N, but the N does have a waterpump to consider. All in all, I find the N requires about as much (or little) maintenance as a Pre electric T
Fortunately (because this was one of the reason I hesitated about buying our K for over a year) the K in a lot of ways is similar to the N, both driving and maintaining. I assume some of the other large early cars might have been more difficult to maintain with different types and variations of shifting transmissions.
I've been pleasantly surprised at the maintenance aspects of the Model K.
Happy New Year,
Rob