1968 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1981 Toyota Corolla is newer by 13 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 1,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Corolla (68 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (55 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 14 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 1981 Toyota Corolla 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 1981 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort, 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, 1981 Toyota Corolla (105 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1981 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Escort | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 871 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
