1968 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Simca Horizon
To start off, 1978 Simca Horizon is newer by 10 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 1,442 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Simca Horizon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Simca Horizon (83 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Simca Horizon should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Simca Horizon weights approximately 195 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, 1978 Simca Horizon, 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, 1978 Simca Horizon (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Simca Horizon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort. 1978 Simca Horizon 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. 1978 Simca Horizon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1978 Simca Horizon | |
| Make | Ford | Simca |
| Model | Escort | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 156 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 47 L |
