2003 Fiat Idea vs. 1973 Ford Escort
To start off, 2003 Fiat Idea is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Ford Escort (96 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Idea. (78 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Idea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Fiat Idea weights approximately 244 kg more than 1973 Ford Escort.
Because 1973 Ford Escort 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 1973 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Idea, 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, 1973 Ford Escort (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Idea. (114 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Idea.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Idea | 1973 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Idea | Escort |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 78 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 90.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 163 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 914 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 40 L |
