1979 Ford Escort vs. 1983 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1983 Ford Fiesta is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Fiesta (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Escort weights approximately 40 kg more than 1983 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1983 Ford Fiesta (95 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 1983 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2290 mm |
