1968 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1997 Opel Vectra is newer by 29 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Opel Vectra (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Opel Vectra weights approximately 380 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, 1997 Opel Vectra, 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, 1997 Opel Vectra (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1997 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 69.8 mm |
| 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 | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
