1978 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2011 Nissan 370Z is newer by 33 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 287 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 694 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 306 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2011 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1569 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2550 mm |
