1972 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 1978 Toyota Starlet is newer by 6 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Escort (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Escort weights approximately 125 kg more than 1978 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1972 Ford Escort (146 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Escort | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Escort | Starlet |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
