1968 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Holden Cruze
To start off, 2003 Holden Cruze is newer by 35 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 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Holden Cruze is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Holden Cruze (72 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (54 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Holden Cruze should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Holden Cruze weights approximately 175 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 2003 Holden Cruze is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Holden Cruze will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Holden Cruze (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Holden Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2003 Holden Cruze | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Escort | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2370 mm |
