1988 Dodge Spirit vs. 1970 Ford Escort
To start off, 1988 Dodge Spirit is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Dodge Spirit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Dodge Spirit (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1970 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Dodge Spirit should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Dodge Spirit weights approximately 449 kg more than 1970 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 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 1970 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 (183 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Dodge Spirit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Dodge Spirit | 1970 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Spirit | Escort |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2400 mm |
