1969 Buick GS vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Buick GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Buick GS would be higher. At 5,724 cc (8 cylinders), 1969 Buick GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Buick GS (190 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Buick GS should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Buick GS weights approximately 735 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 1969 Buick GS 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 1969 Buick GS. 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, 1969 Buick GS (395 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Buick GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Buick GS | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | GS | Escort |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 395 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 97.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2400 mm |
