1985 Ford Escort vs. 2000 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2000 Smart Roadster is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Escort (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2000 Smart Roadster. (101 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2000 Smart Roadster.
Because 2000 Smart Roadster 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 2000 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Ford Escort (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Smart Roadster. (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 2000 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Escort | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2370 mm |
