1978 Ford Escort vs. 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara weights approximately 190 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara, 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara (208 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Escort | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 208 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2490 mm |
