1978 Ford Escort vs. 2006 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 2006 Pontiac GTO 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 5,969 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Pontiac GTO (400 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 355 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 1110 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, 2006 Pontiac GTO (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 482 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2006 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Escort | GTO |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 5969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2800 mm |
