1978 Ford Escort vs. 2001 Opel Zafira
To start off, 2001 Opel Zafira is newer by 23 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Opel Zafira is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Zafira (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Zafira should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Zafira weights approximately 510 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, 2001 Opel Zafira, 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, 2001 Opel Zafira (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Zafira will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2001 Opel Zafira | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Zafira |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 938 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 58 L |
