1978 Ford Escort vs. 1983 Lancia Gamma
To start off, 1983 Lancia Gamma is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lancia Gamma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lancia Gamma (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lancia Gamma should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lancia Gamma weights approximately 416 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Lancia Gamma, 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, 1983 Lancia Gamma (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1983 Lancia Gamma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 1983 Lancia Gamma | |
| Make | Ford | Lancia |
| Model | Escort | Gamma |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 938 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 59 L |
