1968 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Mazda 2
To start off, 2005 Mazda 2 is newer by 37 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 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda 2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda 2 (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 2 weights approximately 200 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, 2005 Mazda 2, 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, 2005 Mazda 2 (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2005 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | 2 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 181 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
