1978 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Renault Espace
To start off, 2004 Renault Espace 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 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Renault Espace (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Renault Espace weights approximately 1015 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, 2004 Renault Espace, 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, 2004 Renault Espace (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2004 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Escort | Espace |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2690 mm |
