1979 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Proton Arena
To start off, 2003 Proton Arena is newer by 24 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 1,468 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Proton Arena is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Proton Arena (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Proton Arena should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Proton Arena weights approximately 190 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 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, 2003 Proton Arena, 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, 2003 Proton Arena (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Proton Arena will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 2003 Proton Arena | |
| Make | Ford | Proton |
| Model | Escort | Arena |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1468 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2610 mm |
