1989 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2009 Smart ForTwo is newer by 20 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 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Escort (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2009 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 2009 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 @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Smart ForTwo. (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 2009 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Escort | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 81.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 2700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 1870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 33 L |
