1971 Ford Escort vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 35 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, 2006 Smart ForTwo (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 80 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, 2006 Smart ForTwo (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort. 2006 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Escort | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Escort | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 1820 mm |
