1996 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Seat Altea
To start off, 2009 Seat Altea 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, 2009 Seat Altea (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Seat Altea weights approximately 62 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, 2009 Seat Altea (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2009 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort. 2009 Seat Altea 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. 2009 Seat Altea will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2009 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Ford | Seat |
| Model | Escort | Altea |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1192 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
