1959 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Honda Insight
To start off, 2009 Honda Insight is newer by 50 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 1,339 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Insight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Insight (87 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1959 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Insight should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Insight weights approximately 459 kg more than 1959 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 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 1959 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Insight, 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, 2009 Honda Insight (121 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Insight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Ford Escort | 2009 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | Insight |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1171 cc | 1339 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 1276 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 40 L |
