1968 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2003 Mazda 3 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 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 3 (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 3 weights approximately 590 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 Mazda 3, 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 Mazda 3 (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | 3 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 78.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
