1968 Ford Escort vs. 2001 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2001 Ford Fiesta is newer by 33 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 1,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Escort (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2001 Ford Fiesta. (67 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 315 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort.
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, 2001 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2001 Ford Fiesta (160 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2001 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 164 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
