1968 Ford Escort vs. 1980 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1980 Chrysler 1609 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,812 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Chrysler 1609 (101 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (75 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Chrysler 1609 (144 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1980 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort. 1980 Chrysler 1609 has automatic transmission and 1968 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1968 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Chrysler 1609 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1980 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Ford | Chrysler |
| Model | Escort | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1812 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1100 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2670 mm |
