2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 1968 Ford Escort
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber is newer by 41 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Caliber (154 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 620 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, 2009 Dodge Caliber, 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, 2009 Dodge Caliber (190 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (98 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort. 2009 Dodge Caliber has automatic transmission and 1968 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1968 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Caliber will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 1968 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Caliber | Escort |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5100 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 181 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 41 L |
