1968 Ford Escort vs. 1972 Rover 3.5
To start off, 1972 Rover 3.5 is newer by 4 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 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Rover 3.5 (150 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Rover 3.5 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Rover 3.5 weights approximately 830 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, 1972 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort. 1972 Rover 3.5 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. 1972 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1972 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Escort | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2820 mm |
