1968 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Mazda 2
To start off, 2008 Mazda 2 is newer by 40 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 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Escort (82 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 2. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 2 weights approximately 320 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort.
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, 2008 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, 2008 Mazda 2 (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (102 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | 2 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 71.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 158 km/hour | 163 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 | 805 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 45 L |
