1961 Fiat 1300 vs. 1997 Ford Escort
To start off, 1997 Ford Escort is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 1300 would be higher. At 1,481 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Fiat 1300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Escort (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 1300. (71 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Escort weights approximately 120 kg more than 1961 Fiat 1300. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Fiat 1300 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 1961 Fiat 1300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Escort, 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, 1997 Ford Escort (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 1300. (106 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat 1300 | 1997 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 1300 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1481 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
