1979 Ford Escort vs. 1998 GMC Safari
To start off, 1998 GMC Safari is newer by 19 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 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 GMC Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 GMC Safari (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 GMC Safari should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 GMC Safari weights approximately 1045 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.
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, 1998 GMC Safari (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1998 GMC Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort. 1998 GMC Safari has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 GMC Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 1998 GMC Safari | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Escort | Safari |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 98 L |
