1995 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1978 Ford Escort
To start off, 1995 Fiat Barchetta is newer by 17 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 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Fiat Barchetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Fiat Barchetta weights approximately 150 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, 1995 Fiat Barchetta, 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, 1995 Fiat Barchetta (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1995 Fiat Barchetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Fiat Barchetta | 1978 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Barchetta | Escort |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 938 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 53 L |
