1978 Ford Escort vs. 1997 TVR Griffith
To start off, 1997 TVR Griffith 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 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 TVR Griffith is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 TVR Griffith (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 TVR Griffith should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 TVR Griffith weights approximately 187 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, 1997 TVR Griffith (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 TVR Griffith will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 1997 TVR Griffith | |
| Make | Ford | TVR |
| Model | Escort | Griffith |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1062 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2290 mm |
