1968 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 44 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 14 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat 500 weights approximately 135 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, 2012 Fiat 500, 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, both vehicles can yield 102 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2012 Fiat 500 has automatic transmission and 1968 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1968 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Ford | Fiat |
| Model | Escort | 500 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| 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 | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 158 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 35 L |
