1968 Fiat 500 vs. 1995 Ford Escort
To start off, 1995 Ford Escort is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Escort (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Escort weights approximately 625 kg more than 1968 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Fiat 500 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 1968 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1995 Ford Escort (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 500 | 1995 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 500 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 499 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 18 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 27 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 67.5 mm | 76.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1135 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3030 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
