1995 Ford Escort vs. 2002 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2002 Smart Roadster is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1995 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1995 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Escort weights approximately 220 kg more than 2002 Smart Roadster.
Because 2002 Smart Roadster 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 2002 Smart Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 2002 Smart Roadster (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Ford Escort. (100 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Escort | 2002 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Escort | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 67 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2370 mm |
