1985 Ford Escort vs. 2006 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2006 Smart ForFour is newer by 21 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, 2006 Smart ForFour (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1985 Ford Escort. (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Smart ForFour weights approximately 10 kg more than 1985 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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 ForFour (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForFour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 2006 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Escort | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1467 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 221 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
