1984 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2003 Smart ForTwo is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Smart ForTwo (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1984 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Escort weights approximately 95 kg more than 2003 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2003 Smart ForTwo 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 2003 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 2003 Smart ForTwo (96 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Escort. (95 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Escort | 2003 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Escort | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 67 mm |
| Top Speed | 146 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 33 L |
