1973 Fiat 850 vs. 1995 Ford Escort
To start off, 1995 Ford Escort is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Escort (90 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 850.
Because 1973 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 1973 Fiat 850. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 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, 1995 Ford Escort (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 850 | 1995 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 850 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1995 |
| 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 | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1450 mm |
