1968 Ford Escort vs. 1971 Saab 99
To start off, 1971 Saab 99 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 1,853 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Saab 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Saab 99 (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Saab 99 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Saab 99 weights approximately 315 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 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, 1971 Saab 99, 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 Saab 99 (147 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Saab 99 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1971 Saab 99 | |
| Make | Ford | Saab |
| Model | Escort | 99 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1853 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 60 L |
