1970 Ford Escort vs. 1961 MG MGA
To start off, 1970 Ford Escort is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 MG MGA. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 MG MGA would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 MG MGA is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 MG MGA (71 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1970 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1961 MG MGA should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 MG MGA weights approximately 95 kg more than 1970 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1961 MG MGA (104 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1961 MG MGA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Escort | 1961 MG MGA | |
| Make | Ford | MG |
| Model | Escort | MGA |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2390 mm |
