1971 Fiat 128 vs. 1979 Ford Escort
To start off, 1979 Ford Escort is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 128. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 128 would be higher. At 1,115 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Fiat 128 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Fiat 128 (63 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 128 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Escort weights approximately 55 kg more than 1971 Fiat 128.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 128, 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, 1971 Fiat 128 (83 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Fiat 128 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 128 | 1979 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 128 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 820 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
