1978 Dodge Aspen vs. 1968 Ford Escort
To start off, 1978 Dodge Aspen is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Dodge Aspen (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (55 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Dodge Aspen should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Dodge Aspen weights approximately 617 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Dodge Aspen 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 1978 Dodge Aspen. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort, 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, 1978 Dodge Aspen (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Dodge Aspen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Dodge Aspen | 1968 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Aspen | Escort |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 1117 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 117.5 mm | 65 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 871 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2400 mm |
