1978 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Kia Picanto
To start off, 2008 Kia Picanto is newer by 30 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 1,086 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Kia Picanto is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Picanto (64 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Picanto should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Picanto weights approximately 53 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, 2008 Kia Picanto, 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, 2008 Kia Picanto (99 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Picanto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2008 Kia Picanto | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Escort | Picanto |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1086 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 99 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 928 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2380 mm |
