1979 Ford Escort vs. 1971 MG Midget
To start off, 1979 Ford Escort is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 MG Midget. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 MG Midget would be higher. At 1,275 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 MG Midget is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 MG Midget (64 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 MG Midget should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Escort weights approximately 155 kg more than 1971 MG Midget.
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, 1971 MG Midget (100 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 MG Midget will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 1971 MG Midget | |
| Make | Ford | MG |
| Model | Escort | Midget |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2040 mm |
