1981 Ford Escort vs. 1999 MCC Smart
To start off, 1999 MCC Smart is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Escort (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1999 MCC Smart. (53 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1999 MCC Smart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Escort weights approximately 254 kg more than 1999 MCC Smart. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1999 MCC Smart 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 1999 MCC Smart. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Ford Escort (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 MCC Smart. (80 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 MCC Smart.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1999 MCC Smart | |
| Make | Ford | MCC |
| Model | Escort | Smart |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 80 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 63.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 63 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2280 mm |
