1996 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Suzuki LJ 50
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 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 (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. (26 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 390 kg more than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 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, 1996 Ford Escort (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Suzuki LJ 50.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1978 Suzuki LJ 50 | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Escort | LJ 50 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 539 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 1940 mm |
