1990 Fiat Tempra vs. 1978 Ford Escort
To start off, 1990 Fiat Tempra is newer by 12 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 1,581 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Fiat Tempra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Fiat Tempra (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Fiat Tempra should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Fiat Tempra weights approximately 122 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 1978 Ford Escort 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 1978 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Fiat Tempra, 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, 1990 Fiat Tempra (135 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1990 Fiat Tempra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Fiat Tempra | 1978 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Tempra | Escort |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1581 cc | 938 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1032 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 53 L |
