1997 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,694 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (159 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1997 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 250 kg more than 1997 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Toyota Tacoma 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 2009 Toyota Tacoma. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Escort, 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, 2009 Toyota Tacoma (245 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Escort | 2009 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Escort | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 2694 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1780 mm |
