1954 DKW Coupe vs. 1956 Ford Escort
To start off, 1956 Ford Escort is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 DKW Coupe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 DKW Coupe would be higher. At 1,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 DKW Coupe (34 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1956 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 DKW Coupe should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 DKW Coupe weights approximately 62 kg more than 1956 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1956 Ford Escort 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 1956 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1954 DKW Coupe, 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, 1956 Ford Escort (72 Nm @ 2150 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 DKW Coupe. (69 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1956 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 DKW Coupe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 DKW Coupe | 1956 Ford Escort | |
| Make | DKW | Ford |
| Model | Coupe | Escort |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 71.1 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 92.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 879 kg | 817 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2220 mm |
