1979 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1981 Nissan Cherry is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,270 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Cherry is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Cherry (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Cherry should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Escort weights approximately 50 kg more than 1981 Nissan Cherry.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Cherry, 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 Nissan Cherry (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Cherry will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 1981 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1270 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2400 mm |
