1978 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2005 Toyota Corolla 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 1,398 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota Corolla (96 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 315 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, 2005 Toyota Corolla, 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, 2005 Toyota Corolla (130 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2005 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Escort | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 938 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 55 L |
