1973 Ford Escort vs. 2013 Mazda 5
To start off, 2013 Mazda 5 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,489 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda 5 (155 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1973 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda 5 weights approximately 637 kg more than 1973 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 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 1973 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Mazda 5, 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, 2013 Mazda 5 (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Escort. (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Escort | 2013 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | 5 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1551 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
