1997 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1970 Ford Escort
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier (115 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1970 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 395 kg more than 1970 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Ford Escort is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1970 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Escort. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 1970 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1970 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1970 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Cavalier | Escort |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2400 mm |
