1989 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 2003 Suzuki Vitara is newer by 14 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 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Escort (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2003 Suzuki Vitara. (77 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2003 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Escort weights approximately 35 kg more than 2003 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Suzuki Vitara 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 Ford Escort (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Suzuki Vitara. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 2003 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Escort | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2490 mm |
