1979 Ford Escort vs. 1983 Jeep CJ
To start off, 1983 Jeep CJ 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Jeep CJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Jeep CJ (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Jeep CJ should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Jeep CJ weights approximately 380 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Jeep CJ is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Jeep CJ will offer significantly more control. 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 Jeep CJ (150 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1983 Jeep CJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 1983 Jeep CJ | |
| Make | Ford | Jeep |
| Model | Escort | CJ |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2380 mm |
