1978 Ford Escort vs. 2007 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2007 Ford Fiesta is newer by 29 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 1,388 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Ford Fiesta (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 241 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, 2007 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2007 Ford Fiesta (128 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2007 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2490 mm |
