1975 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Kia Rio
To start off, 2011 Kia Rio is newer by 36 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Rio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Rio (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Rio weights approximately 218 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, 2011 Kia Rio, 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, 2011 Kia Rio (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Rio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort. 2011 Kia Rio has automatic transmission and 1975 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1975 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 2011 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Escort | Rio |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1093 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4366 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2570 mm |
