2008 Fiat Panda vs. 1968 Ford Escort
To start off, 2008 Fiat Panda is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Fiat Panda (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Fiat Panda weights approximately 55 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 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 1968 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Fiat Panda (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat Panda | 1968 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Panda | Escort |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 41 L |
