1968 Ford Escort vs. 1965 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1968 Ford Escort is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Ford Zodiac (108 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 465 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1965 Ford Zodiac (190 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (81 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1965 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort. 1965 Ford Zodiac has automatic transmission and 1968 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1968 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Ford Zodiac will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1965 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 53.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 45 L |
