1971 Ford Escort vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2002 Smart ForTwo 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 1,098 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Smart ForTwo (40 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 10 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.
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, 2002 Smart ForTwo (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Smart ForTwo 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 ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Escort | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 1820 mm |
