1970 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Mazda 3
To start off, 2008 Mazda 3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Ford Escort (120 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 455 kg more than 1970 Ford Escort.
Because 1970 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 1970 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3, 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, 2008 Mazda 3 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Escort. (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Escort | 2008 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | 3 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 55 L |
