2003 Fiat Panda vs. 1975 Ford Escort
To start off, 2003 Fiat Panda is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Ford Escort (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Panda. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Ford Escort weights approximately 60 kg more than 2003 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Panda, 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, 2003 Fiat Panda (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Panda | 1975 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Panda | Escort |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 55 L |
