1978 Ford Escort vs. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 12 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 360 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, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Escort | 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Ford | Pontiac |
Model | Escort | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 939 cc | 1996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 45 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 60 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1235 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |