2008 Fiat Croma vs. 1979 Ford Escort
To start off, 2008 Fiat Croma is newer by 29 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Fiat Croma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Fiat Croma (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Fiat Croma should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Fiat Croma weights approximately 637 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Fiat Croma, 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 Croma (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Fiat Croma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort. 2008 Fiat Croma has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Fiat Croma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat Croma | 1979 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Croma | Escort |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1512 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
