1979 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Nissan Versa
To start off, 2008 Nissan Versa is newer by 29 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Versa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Versa (122 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Versa should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Versa weights approximately 1530 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, 2008 Nissan Versa, 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, 2008 Nissan Versa (173 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Versa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Ford Escort | 2008 Nissan Versa | |
Make | Ford | Nissan |
Model | Escort | Versa |
Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 939 cc | 1798 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 45 HP | 122 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 60 Nm | 173 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 2405 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4300 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1540 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2610 mm |