1979 Dodge Mirada vs. 1985 Ford Orion
To start off, 1985 Ford Orion is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,209 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1985 Ford Orion. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 805 kg more than 1985 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Dodge Mirada 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 1979 Dodge Mirada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Orion, 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, 1979 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Orion. (101 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Mirada | 1985 Ford Orion | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Mirada | Orion |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5209 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 64.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2410 mm |
