1977 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2005 Smart ForFour is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,332 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart ForFour (94 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1977 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Smart ForFour weights approximately 58 kg more than 1977 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Smart ForFour, 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, 2005 Smart ForFour (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Escort. 2005 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 1977 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1977 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Escort | 2005 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Escort | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 47 L |
