1975 Ford Escort vs. 1988 Nissan Prairie
To start off, 1988 Nissan Prairie is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,487 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Nissan Prairie is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Nissan Prairie (79 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Nissan Prairie should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Nissan Prairie weights approximately 68 kg more than 1975 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Nissan Prairie, 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, 1988 Nissan Prairie (121 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (61 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Nissan Prairie will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 1988 Nissan Prairie | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Prairie |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1988 |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2520 mm |
