1971 Ford Escort vs. 1977 Peugeot 304
To start off, 1977 Peugeot 304 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,290 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Peugeot 304 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Peugeot 304 (64 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Peugeot 304 should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Peugeot 304 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1971 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 Peugeot 304, 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, 1977 Peugeot 304 (94 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Peugeot 304 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Escort | 1977 Peugeot 304 | |
| Make | Ford | Peugeot |
| Model | Escort | 304 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2600 mm |
