1978 Ford Escort vs. 2006 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2006 Opel Vectra is newer by 28 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 3,175 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Vectra (208 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Vectra weights approximately 715 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, 2006 Opel Vectra, 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, 2006 Opel Vectra (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 2006 Opel Vectra 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. 2006 Opel Vectra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2006 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 938 cc | 3175 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 60 L |
