1986 Fiat Croma vs. 1979 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Fiat Croma is newer by 7 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Fiat Croma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Fiat Croma (154 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Fiat Croma should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Fiat Croma weights approximately 305 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, 1986 Fiat Croma, 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, 1986 Fiat Croma (235 Nm @ 2350 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Fiat Croma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Fiat Croma | 1979 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Croma | Escort |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2350 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2410 mm |
