1989 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2005 Smart ForTwo is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,700 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Escort (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2005 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 2005 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Ford Escort (109 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 2005 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Escort | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1700 cc | 797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 65.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 22 L |
