1968 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Honda Civic
To start off, 2003 Honda Civic 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 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda Civic (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Civic weights approximately 251 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, 2003 Honda Civic, 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, 2003 Honda Civic (141 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2003 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | Civic |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| 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 | 1056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 50 L |
