1989 Ford Escort vs. 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace
To start off, 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,446 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace (90 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort.
Because 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace 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 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace (226 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Escort | Hi-Ace |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1700 cc | 2446 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1960 mm |
