1978 Buick Estate vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Buick Estate (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Buick Estate should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Buick Estate weights approximately 985 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Buick Estate 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 1978 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, 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, 1978 Buick Estate (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 1978 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Estate | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Estate | Escort |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2400 mm |
