1974 Citroen GS vs. 1979 Ford Escort
To start off, 1979 Ford Escort is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Citroen GS would be higher. At 1,222 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Citroen GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Citroen GS (58 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Citroen GS should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Citroen GS weights approximately 55 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Citroen GS, 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, 1974 Citroen GS (88 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1974 Citroen GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Citroen GS | 1979 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | GS | Escort |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1222 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2410 mm |
