1959 Fiat 1500 vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1500 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fiat 1500 (80 HP) has 1 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fiat 1500 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 1500 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fiat 1500 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 1959 Fiat 1500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, 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, 1980 Ford Escort (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1500. (104 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1500 | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 1500 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 79 HP |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 40 L |
