1996 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2003 Subaru Impreza is newer by 7 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Impreza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Impreza (246 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Impreza should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Impreza weights approximately 280 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 2003 Subaru Impreza 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, 2003 Subaru Impreza 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, 2003 Subaru Impreza (333 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Impreza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort. 2003 Subaru Impreza 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. 2003 Subaru Impreza will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2003 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Escort | Impreza |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 246 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 60 L |
