1976 Ford Escort vs. 1979 GMC Suburban
To start off, 1979 GMC Suburban is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Escort would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 GMC Suburban (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1976 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1322 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 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1979 GMC Suburban (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Escort. 1979 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Escort | 1979 GMC Suburban | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Escort | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 4093 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 2232 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 3300 mm |
