1962 Honda S500 vs. 2012 Ford Escape
To start off, 2012 Ford Escape is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Honda S500 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Escape (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1962 Honda S500. (38 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1962 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Escape weights approximately 977 kg more than 1962 Honda S500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Honda S500 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 1962 Honda S500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Escape, 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, 2012 Ford Escape (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Honda S500. (39 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Honda S500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Honda S500 | 2012 Ford Escape | |
| Make | Honda | Ford |
| Model | S500 | Escape |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 492 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1657 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4437 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 57 L |
