1996 Ford Escort vs. 1979 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Corolla 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 44 more horse power than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1979 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 245 kg more than 1979 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Toyota Corolla 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 1979 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort, 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, 1996 Ford Escort (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Toyota Corolla. (105 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1979 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Escort | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
