1978 Ford Escort vs. 1989 Renault 21
To start off, 1989 Renault 21 is newer by 11 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Renault 21 (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Renault 21 weights approximately 340 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 1989 Renault 21 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Renault 21 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1989 Renault 21 (169 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 1989 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Escort | 21 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 938 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2820 mm |
