1968 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Peugeot 406
To start off, 1997 Peugeot 406 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Peugeot 406 (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Peugeot 406 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 696 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 Peugeot 406, 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 Peugeot 406 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1997 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Ford | Peugeot |
| Model | Escort | 406 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1501 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 70 L |
