1978 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1985 Ford Escort
To start off, 1985 Ford Escort is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice (108 HP) has 59 more horse power than 1985 Ford Escort. (49 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 880 kg more than 1985 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Chevrolet Caprice 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 Chevrolet Caprice. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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 Chevrolet Caprice (280 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (84 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Escort. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1985 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1985 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Caprice | 1985 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Caprice | Escort |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1117 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
