1978 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2005 Smart Roadster is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort would be higher. At 939 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Smart Roadster (100 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort.
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, 2005 Smart Roadster (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2005 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Escort | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2370 mm |
