1989 Ford Escort vs. 2001 Kia Potentia
To start off, 2001 Kia Potentia is newer by 12 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Kia Potentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Kia Potentia (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Kia Potentia should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Kia Potentia weights approximately 440 kg more than 1989 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Kia Potentia 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 2001 Kia Potentia. 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, 2001 Kia Potentia (182 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2001 Kia Potentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 2001 Kia Potentia | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Escort | Potentia |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2720 mm |
