1996 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Peugeot 406
To start off, 1997 Peugeot 406 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Peugeot 406 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Peugeot 406 (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Peugeot 406 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Peugeot 406 weights approximately 371 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort. 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, 1997 Peugeot 406 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1997 Peugeot 406 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1997 Peugeot 406 | |
| Make | Ford | Peugeot |
| Model | Escort | 406 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1501 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
