1998 Ford Escort vs. 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus
To start off, 1998 Ford Escort is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus would be higher. At 2,170 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus (150 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1998 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Escort weights approximately 210 kg more than 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus.
Because 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus 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 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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, 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Escort | 1979 Talbot Sunbeam-Lotus | |
| Make | Ford | Talbot |
| Model | Escort | Sunbeam-Lotus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 2170 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
