1996 Ford Escort vs. 1961 Triumph Vitesse
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Triumph Vitesse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Triumph Vitesse would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1961 Triumph Vitesse. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1961 Triumph Vitesse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 250 kg more than 1961 Triumph Vitesse. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Triumph Vitesse 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 1961 Triumph Vitesse. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Ford Escort (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Triumph Vitesse. (125 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Triumph Vitesse.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1961 Triumph Vitesse | |
| Make | Ford | Triumph |
| Model | Escort | Vitesse |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 29 L |
