1978 Ford Escort vs. 1991 Nissan Vanette
To start off, 1991 Nissan Vanette is newer by 13 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 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Nissan Vanette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Nissan Vanette (86 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Nissan Vanette should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Nissan Vanette weights approximately 520 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1991 Nissan Vanette (148 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1991 Nissan Vanette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 1991 Nissan Vanette | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Vanette |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 938 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2080 mm |
