1978 Ford Escort vs. 2013 Kia RIO
To start off, 2013 Kia RIO is newer by 35 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Kia RIO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Kia RIO (136 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Kia RIO should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Kia RIO weights approximately 221 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, 2013 Kia RIO, 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, 2013 Kia RIO (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Kia RIO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Escort | 2013 Kia RIO | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Escort | RIO |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1096 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4045 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2570 mm |
