1978 Ford Escort vs. 2006 Renault Laguna
To start off, 2006 Renault Laguna 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 2,188 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Renault Laguna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Renault Laguna (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Renault Laguna should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Renault Laguna weights approximately 690 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 Renault Laguna, 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 Renault Laguna (321 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Renault Laguna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 2006 Renault Laguna 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 Renault Laguna will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2006 Renault Laguna | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Escort | Laguna |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 938 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| 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 | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 70 L |
