1968 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Rio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Rio (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Rio weights approximately 263 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, 2012 Kia Rio, 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, 2012 Kia Rio (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Rio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2012 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Escort | Rio |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1093 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4046 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 43 L |
