1972 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2012 Smart ForTwo is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Escort (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2012 Smart ForTwo. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2012 Smart ForTwo.
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, 1972 Ford Escort (146 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Smart ForTwo. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Smart ForTwo. 2012 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Escort | 2012 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Escort | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
