1988 Dodge Spirit vs. 1968 Ford Escort
To start off, 1988 Dodge Spirit is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,972 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Dodge Spirit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Dodge Spirit (141 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Dodge Spirit should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Dodge Spirit weights approximately 524 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Ford Escort 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 1968 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Dodge Spirit, 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, 1988 Dodge Spirit (232 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1988 Dodge Spirit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Dodge Spirit | 1968 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Spirit | Escort |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2972 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 232 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 63 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1354 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2370 mm |
