1976 Ford Escort vs. 1971 Saab 99
To start off, 1976 Ford Escort is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Saab 99. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Saab 99 would be higher. At 1,709 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Saab 99 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Saab 99 (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1976 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Saab 99 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Saab 99 weights approximately 194 kg more than 1976 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Saab 99, 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, 1971 Saab 99 (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Saab 99 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Escort | 1971 Saab 99 | |
| Make | Ford | Saab |
| Model | Escort | 99 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1709 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 876 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2530 mm |
