1959 Ford Escort vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2002 Smart ForTwo is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,171 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Smart ForTwo (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1959 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford Escort weights approximately 12 kg more than 2002 Smart ForTwo.
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, 2002 Smart ForTwo (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2002 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Escort | 2002 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Escort | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1171 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 22 L |
