1998 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Honda Ridgeline
To start off, 2009 Honda Ridgeline 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 3,470 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Honda Ridgeline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Ridgeline (250 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1998 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Ridgeline 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 Ridgeline.
Because 2009 Honda Ridgeline 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 Ridgeline 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 Ridgeline (335 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Ridgeline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Escort. 2009 Honda Ridgeline 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 Ridgeline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Escort | 2009 Honda Ridgeline | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | Ridgeline |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 3470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 5260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1790 mm |
