1979 Ford Fairlane vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford Fairlane (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 535 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Fairlane 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 Fairlane. 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, 1979 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 1979 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fairlane | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fairlane | Escort |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2400 mm |
