1968 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2003 Lotus Exige 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Exige (175 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Ford Escort weights approximately 25 kg more than 2003 Lotus Exige.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Lotus Exige (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2003 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Ford | Lotus |
| Model | Escort | Exige |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 232 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 36 L |
