1978 Ford Escort vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo is newer by 28 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 938 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForTwo (74 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Escort weights approximately 90 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Smart ForTwo (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Escort | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 938 cc | 697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 33 L |
