1996 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Seat Altea
To start off, 2012 Seat Altea is newer by 16 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Seat Altea (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Seat Altea should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Seat Altea weights approximately 64 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, 2012 Seat Altea (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (115 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2012 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Ford | Seat |
| Model | Escort | Altea |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1570 mm |
