1978 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 19 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer (111 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 160 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, 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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, 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer (137 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 1997 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Ford | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Escort | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
