1979 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Toyota Avensis
To start off, 2008 Toyota Avensis 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 2,362 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Avensis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Avensis (161 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Avensis should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Avensis weights approximately 490 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 Toyota Avensis, 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 Toyota Avensis (231 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Avensis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort. 2008 Toyota Avensis 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. 2008 Toyota Avensis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 2008 Toyota Avensis | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Escort | Avensis |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2362 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 60 L |
