Ford Escort vs Kia Spectra
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2009 Kia Spectra
Overview
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Kia SpectraLX |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | ZX2 | LX |
| Body style | Coupe | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2003 | 2009 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Kia SpectraLX |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $13,205 (best) | $13,550 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Kia SpectraLX |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG | 26 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 23 MPG | 23 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 30 MPG | 30 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 12.7 gal | 14 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Kia SpectraLX |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 130 hp | 138 hp (best) |
| Torque | 135 lb-ft | 136 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 2 L | 2 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Kia SpectraLX |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 2 | 4 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 11.8 cu ft | 12.2 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 2,464 lbs (best) | 2,701 lbs |
| Ground clearance | — | 6.3 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 98.4 in | 102.8 in (best) |
| Length | 175.2 in | 177.2 in (best) |
| Width | 67.4 in | 68.3 in (best) |
| Height | 52.3 in | 57.9 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Ford EscortZX2 | Kia SpectraLX |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Ford Escort | Kia Spectra |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ZX2 $13,205 MSRP(Currently comparing) | LX $13,550 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | ZX2 Deluxe $14,355 MSRP | LX $14,550 MSRP |
| 3 | ZX2 Premium $14,810 MSRP | EX $15,550 MSRP |
| 4 | — | EX $16,550 MSRP |
| 5 | — | SX $16,450 MSRP |
| 6 | — | SX $17,450 MSRP |
Ford Escort vs Kia Spectra FAQ
- Which is better: 2003 Ford Escort or 2009 Kia Spectra?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2003 Ford Escort vs 2009 Kia Spectra on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2003 Ford Escort or 2009 Kia Spectra?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Ford Escort starts lower at $13,205.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2003 Ford Escort or 2009 Kia Spectra?
- The 2003 Ford Escort leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (13,205).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2003 Ford Escort or 2009 Kia Spectra?
- The 2009 Kia Spectra leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (27).
- Which has better horsepower: 2003 Ford Escort or 2009 Kia Spectra?
- The 2009 Kia Spectra leads on horsepower in this comparison (138).
- Which has better seats: 2003 Ford Escort or 2009 Kia Spectra?
- The 2009 Kia Spectra leads on seats in this comparison (5).