1989 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1979 Ford Escort
To start off, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 10 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice (195 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 905 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 Chevrolet Caprice (393 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice 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. 1989 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chevrolet Caprice | 1979 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Caprice | Escort |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 195 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1780 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5400 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
