1968 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 41 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 3 (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (54 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 375 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 front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2009 Mazda 3 (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | 3 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 146 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
