1981 Ford Escort vs. 2002 MCC Smart
To start off, 2002 MCC Smart is newer by 21 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, 2002 MCC Smart (80 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 MCC Smart should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Escort weights approximately 164 kg more than 2002 MCC Smart.
Because 2002 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 2002 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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 MCC Smart. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 MCC Smart.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 2002 MCC Smart | |
| Make | Ford | MCC |
| Model | Escort | Smart |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 67 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2370 mm |
