1968 Ford Escort vs. 2000 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2000 Smart ForTwo is newer by 32 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 1,117 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Smart ForTwo (74 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (54 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 10 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 2000 Smart ForTwo 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 2000 Smart ForTwo. 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, 2000 Smart ForTwo (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2000 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Escort | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 146 km/hour | 150 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 1820 mm |
