1978 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1998 Honda Prelude is newer by 20 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), 1998 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda Prelude (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda Prelude weights approximately 330 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, 1998 Honda Prelude, 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, 1998 Honda Prelude (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 1998 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 938 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1240 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2590 mm |
