1968 Ford Escort vs. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is newer by 6 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 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (54 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 1010 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 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (414 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Escort | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 414 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2700 mm |
