1968 Ford Escort vs. 1965 Riley Kestrel
To start off, 1968 Ford Escort is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Riley Kestrel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Riley Kestrel would be higher. At 1,098 cc (4 cylinders), 1965 Riley Kestrel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Riley Kestrel (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Riley Kestrel should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort.
Because 1968 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 1968 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1965 Riley Kestrel, 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, 1965 Riley Kestrel (84 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (67 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1965 Riley Kestrel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1965 Riley Kestrel | |
| Make | Ford | Riley |
| Model | Escort | Kestrel |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1965 |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 67 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2380 mm |
