1984 Ford Escort vs. 1979 Isuzu 117
To start off, 1984 Ford Escort is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Isuzu 117. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Isuzu 117 would be higher. At 2,236 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Isuzu 117 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Isuzu 117 (72 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1984 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Isuzu 117 should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Isuzu 117 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1984 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Isuzu 117 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 Isuzu 117. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Ford Escort, 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, 1979 Isuzu 117 (139 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Escort. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Isuzu 117 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Escort | 1979 Isuzu 117 | |
| Make | Ford | Isuzu |
| Model | Escort | 117 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2236 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 139 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
