1990 Ford Fiesta vs. 1973 Ford Escort
To start off, 1990 Ford Fiesta is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ford Fiesta (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1973 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Ford Escort weights approximately 4 kg more than 1990 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1973 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 1973 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Ford Fiesta, 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 Ford Fiesta (183 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Escort. (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Fiesta | 1973 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fiesta | Escort |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 914 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 40 L |
