1979 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Nissan Quest
To start off, 2012 Nissan Quest is newer by 33 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Quest is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Quest (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Quest should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Quest weights approximately 1106 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, 2012 Nissan Quest, 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, 2012 Nissan Quest (325 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Quest will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 2012 Nissan Quest | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Quest |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1981 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1971 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1816 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3000 mm |
