1996 Ford Escort vs. 2002 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2002 Toyota Highlander is newer by 6 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Highlander (149 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 515 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.
Because 2002 Toyota Highlander 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, 2002 Toyota Highlander 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, 2002 Toyota Highlander (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort. 2002 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2002 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Escort | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1389 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1730 mm |
