1972 Fiat 850 vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Escort (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 850.
Because 1972 Fiat 850 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 1972 Fiat 850. 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 (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 850 | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 850 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2400 mm |
