1968 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Proton 400
To start off, 1998 Proton 400 is newer by 30 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, 1998 Proton 400 (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Proton 400 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Proton 400 weights approximately 165 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, 1998 Proton 400, 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, 1998 Proton 400 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Proton 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1998 Proton 400 | |
| Make | Ford | Proton |
| Model | Escort | 400 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
