2001 Ford Mustang vs. 1978 Ford Escort
To start off, 2001 Ford Mustang is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Mustang (260 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Mustang weights approximately 388 kg more than 1978 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Ford Mustang (410 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort. 2001 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Mustang | 1978 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Escort |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 938 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 53 L |
