1989 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1978 Ford Escort
To start off, 1989 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort would be higher. At 5,732 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chevrolet Suburban (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1425 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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 Suburban (407 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 347 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 1989 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chevrolet Suburban | 1978 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Suburban | Escort |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5732 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2300 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2410 mm |
