1996 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Renault 4
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Renault 4 would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (131 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1978 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1978 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 492 kg more than 1978 Renault 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Ford Escort (172 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Renault 4. (58 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1978 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Escort | 4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 845 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.8 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 38 L |
