1970 Ford Escort vs. 1968 Ford 17
To start off, 1970 Ford Escort is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford 17 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford 17 (59 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1970 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford 17 should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Ford 17 weights approximately 251 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, 1968 Ford 17 (112 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Ford 17 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Escort | 1968 Ford 17 | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | 17 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2710 mm |
