Q: Need new engine/motor

My car broke down and we thought it had run out of gas. We put some in it and when we finally got it started, it drove a few miles to the gas station, I put it in park and it died. I filled up the tank, and it wouldn't start. We thought it may need a new fuel filter, so my brother replaced it and we got it started again. I drove it a few miles down the road, maybe ten or so, then it broke down again. I had it towed to a shop and they initially told me it needed a new timing belt, then upon further inspection, they said it was actually the motor was shot. My mom has a 1996 Ford Escort with a new engine, which she drove for a few thousand miles then had transmission problems, so she hasn't driven it since. She said I could have the engine for my car, which is a 1997, so my question is, can the one from her car be put in mine, will it fit, run, etc.? Also, I have only had my car for about six months, so I'm not familiar with any past mechanical problems/repairs, etc. Thank you

My car has 150000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.