1978 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2004 Panoz AIV is newer by 26 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 256 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Panoz AIV weights approximately 305 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, 2004 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 347 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2004 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Ford | Panoz |
| Model | Escort | AIV |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
