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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 3 (141 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1970 Ford Escort. (98 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 3 weights approximately 634 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.
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 (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Escort. (125 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 | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 16.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 156 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 851 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 55 L |
