1996 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2003 Smart Roadster is newer by 7 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 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Smart Roadster (81 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 285 kg more than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Because 2003 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 2003 Smart Roadster. 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 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2003 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Escort | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
