1978 Ford Escort vs. 2002 Toyota Yaris
To start off, 2002 Toyota Yaris is newer by 24 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 996 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Yaris is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Yaris (64 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Yaris should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Escort weights approximately 45 kg more than 2002 Toyota Yaris.
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, 2002 Toyota Yaris, 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, 2002 Toyota Yaris (93 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Yaris will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2002 Toyota Yaris | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Escort | Yaris |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
