1978 Ford Escort vs. 1988 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1988 Opel Vectra is newer by 10 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Opel Vectra (130 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Opel Vectra weights approximately 149 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, 1988 Opel Vectra, 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, 1988 Opel Vectra (180 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 1988 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 938 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1059 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 75 L |
