1979 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2009 Ford Fiesta is newer by 30 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 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Fiesta (59 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 91 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, 2009 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2009 Ford Fiesta (109 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 2009 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2500 mm |
