1968 Ford Escort vs. 1971 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1971 Ford Zephyr is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Zephyr (81 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (54 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Zephyr should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 440 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.
Because 1971 Ford Zephyr 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 1971 Ford Zephyr. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 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, 1971 Ford Zephyr (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1971 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2930 mm |
