1971 Ford Escort vs. 2002 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2002 Smart ForFour is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,332 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Smart ForFour (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Smart ForFour weights approximately 165 kg more than 1971 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Smart ForFour, 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, 2002 Smart ForFour (126 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Escort | 2002 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Escort | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2510 mm |
