1971 Ford Escort vs. 1996 Renault Megane
To start off, 1996 Renault Megane is newer by 25 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Renault Megane (106 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Renault Megane should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Renault Megane weights approximately 365 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, 1996 Renault Megane, 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, 1996 Renault Megane (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Renault Megane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort. 1996 Renault Megane has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Renault Megane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Ford Escort | 1996 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Escort | Megane |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2470 mm |
