1978 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 34 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 860 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, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe, 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, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe 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. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Ford | Hyundai |
| Model | Escort | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4685 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2700 mm |
