1996 Ford Escort vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2002 Smart ForTwo is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,391 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (74 HP) has 34 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 265 kg more than 2002 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Smart ForTwo. 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 (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2002 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Escort | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 40 HP |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1560 mm |
