1975 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Saturn Astra
To start off, 2009 Saturn Astra is newer by 34 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 1,845 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Saturn Astra (136 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Astra should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Saturn Astra weights approximately 366 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, 2009 Saturn Astra, 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, 1975 Ford Escort (163 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Saturn Astra. (125 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1975 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Saturn Astra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 2009 Saturn Astra | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Escort | Astra |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1845 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
