1978 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2005 Nissan Frontier is newer by 27 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 2,393 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Frontier (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 511 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 2005 Nissan Frontier 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, 2005 Nissan Frontier 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, 2005 Nissan Frontier (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 2005 Nissan Frontier 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. 2005 Nissan Frontier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2005 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
