1998 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Honda Element
To start off, 2009 Honda Element is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Element (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1998 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Escort weights approximately 41 kg more than 2009 Honda Element.
Because 2009 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Element will offer significantly more control. 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 Honda Element (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Escort. 2009 Honda Element has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Escort | 2009 Honda Element | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | Element |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1790 mm |
