1980 Ford Escort vs. 1958 Rover P4
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,230 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Escort (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1958 Rover P4. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1958 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Rover P4 weights approximately 505 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort.
Because 1958 Rover P4 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 1958 Rover P4. 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, 1958 Rover P4 (153 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1958 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1958 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Escort | P4 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2230 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 45 L |
