1975 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Ford Escort weights approximately 120 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Because 1975 Ford Escort 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 1975 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 1981 Ford Fiesta (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 34 L |
