1978 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Peugeot 408
To start off, 2012 Peugeot 408 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Peugeot 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Peugeot 408 (110 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Peugeot 408 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, 2012 Peugeot 408, 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 Peugeot 408 (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Peugeot 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 2012 Peugeot 408 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 Peugeot 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2012 Peugeot 408 | |
| Make | Ford | Peugeot |
| Model | Escort | 408 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 938 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1815 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1525 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
