1978 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2003 Subaru Legacy is newer by 25 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Legacy (256 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 211 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 585 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 2003 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Subaru Legacy (343 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 2003 Subaru Legacy has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Subaru Legacy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Escort | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2680 mm |
