1978 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Saturn Vue
To start off, 2009 Saturn Vue 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 2,401 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Saturn Vue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Saturn Vue (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Vue should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort.
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 Saturn Vue, 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 Saturn Vue (227 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Saturn Vue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 2009 Saturn Vue 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 Saturn Vue will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2009 Saturn Vue | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Escort | Vue |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 227 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
