2002 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2005 Toyota Highlander is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota Highlander (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2002 Ford Escort. (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 563 kg more than 2002 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Highlander 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, 2005 Toyota Highlander (221 Nm) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Escort. (178 Nm). This means 2005 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Escort. 2005 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Escort | 2005 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Escort | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1122 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 73 L |
