1978 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Mercury Milan
To start off, 2009 Mercury Milan 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Milan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Milan (160 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Milan should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Milan weights approximately 1050 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 Mercury Milan, 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 Mercury Milan (212 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Milan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 2009 Mercury Milan 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 Mercury Milan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2009 Mercury Milan | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Escort | Milan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2730 mm |
