1976 Ford Escort vs. 1995 Saturn SL
To start off, 1995 Saturn SL is newer by 19 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 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Saturn SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Saturn SL (100 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1976 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Saturn SL should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Saturn SL weights approximately 179 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, 1995 Saturn SL, 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, 1995 Saturn SL (158 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1995 Saturn SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Escort | 1995 Saturn SL | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Escort | SL |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 876 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
