1978 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Nissan Micra
To start off, 2008 Nissan Micra 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 1,240 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Micra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Micra (64 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Micra should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Micra weights approximately 133 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 Nissan Micra, 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 Nissan Micra (110 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Micra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2008 Nissan Micra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Micra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 938 cc | 1240 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1043 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 46 L |
