1975 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Hyundai Elantra
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 37 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Hyundai Elantra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Elantra (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (62 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 432 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, 2012 Hyundai Elantra, 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, 2012 Hyundai Elantra (184 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2012 Hyundai Elantra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 2012 Hyundai Elantra | |
| Make | Ford | Hyundai |
| Model | Escort | Elantra |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4486 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2700 mm |
