1968 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (123 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda Roadster weights approximately 225 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.
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 Mazda Roadster (142 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 Roadster | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| 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 | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 48 L |
