1972 Ford Escort vs. 1979 Subaru DL
To start off, 1979 Subaru DL is newer by 7 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 33 more horse power than 1979 Subaru DL. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1979 Subaru DL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Subaru DL weights approximately 40 kg more than 1972 Ford Escort.
Because 1972 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 1972 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Subaru DL, 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, 1972 Ford Escort (146 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Subaru DL. (114 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Subaru DL. 1979 Subaru DL has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Subaru DL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Escort | 1979 Subaru DL | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Escort | DL |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 91.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 60 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2470 mm |
