2003 Fiat Panda vs. 1979 Ford Escort
To start off, 2003 Fiat Panda is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,108 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Fiat Panda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Fiat Panda (51 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Escort weights approximately 50 kg more than 2003 Fiat Panda.
Because 1979 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Panda, 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, 2003 Fiat Panda (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Panda | 1979 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Panda | Escort |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 53 L |
