2008 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Ford Escort
To start off, 2008 Fiat 500 is newer by 30 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 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Fiat 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Fiat 500 (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Escort weights approximately 45 kg more than 2008 Fiat 500.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Fiat 500, 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, 2008 Fiat 500 (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
2008 Fiat 500 | 1978 Ford Escort | |
Make | Fiat | Ford |
Model | 500 | Escort |
Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1242 cc | 938 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 68 HP | 45 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 102 Nm | 60 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 910 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4060 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1570 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 53 L |