1978 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Hyundai Elantra
To start off, 2009 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 31 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 1,975 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Hyundai Elantra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Hyundai Elantra (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 408 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, 2009 Hyundai Elantra, 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, 2009 Hyundai Elantra (184 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Hyundai Elantra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 2009 Hyundai Elantra 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. 2009 Hyundai Elantra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2009 Hyundai Elantra | |
| Make | Ford | Hyundai |
| Model | Escort | Elantra |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 938 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 53 L |
