1972 Ford Escort vs. 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Escort would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster (163 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1972 Ford Escort. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 920 kg more than 1972 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster (393 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Escort. (146 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Escort | 1976 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Escort | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2700 mm |
