1978 Ford Escort vs. 2010 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2010 Nissan Altima is newer by 32 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Altima (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Altima weights approximately 699 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, 2010 Nissan Altima, 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, 2010 Nissan Altima (219 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2010 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Altima |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1574 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2776 mm |
