1996 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2009 Ford Fiesta is newer by 13 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 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (131 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2009 Ford Fiesta. (89 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 186 kg more than 2009 Ford Fiesta. 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, 2009 Ford Fiesta (185 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (172 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2009 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 164 km/hour | 175 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 45 L |
