1990 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2003 Pontiac Vibe is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Pontiac Vibe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac Vibe (123 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1990 Ford Escort. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Vibe should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Pontiac Vibe weights approximately 205 kg more than 1990 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Pontiac Vibe is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac Vibe 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, 2003 Pontiac Vibe (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Escort. (130 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Pontiac Vibe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Escort. 2003 Pontiac Vibe has automatic transmission and 1990 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1990 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Pontiac Vibe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Escort | 2003 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Escort | Vibe |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1610 mm |
