1968 Ford Escort vs. 1980 Renault 14
To start off, 1980 Renault 14 is newer by 12 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 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Renault 14 (58 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Renault 14 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Renault 14 weights approximately 60 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, 1980 Renault 14, 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, 1968 Ford Escort (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Renault 14. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Renault 14.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1980 Renault 14 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Escort | 14 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1218 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 69 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 48 L |
