1971 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 40 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 268 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 955 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, 2011 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 307 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort. 2011 Lexus IS 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. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Escort | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Escort | IS |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2731 mm |
