1970 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse

To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (182 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1970 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick LaCrosse weights approximately 935 kg more than 1970 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1970 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 1970 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (233 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Escort. 2012 Buick LaCrosse has automatic transmission and 1970 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1970 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1970 Ford Escort 2012 Buick LaCrosse
Make Ford Buick
Model Escort LaCrosse
Year Released 1970 2012
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1098 cc 2400 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 38 HP 182 HP
Engine RPM 5300 RPM 6700 RPM
Torque 68 Nm 233 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 4900 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline / Electric Hybrid
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual 6-speed shiftable automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Vehicle Weight 805 kg 1740 kg
Vehicle Length 3990 mm 5001 mm
Vehicle Width 1580 mm 1857 mm
Vehicle Height 1360 mm 1504 mm
Wheelbase Size 2400 mm 2837 mm