1980 Ford Escort vs. 1964 Trabant Universal
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Trabant Universal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Trabant Universal would be higher. At 1,098 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ford Escort (43 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1964 Trabant Universal. (23 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1964 Trabant Universal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Escort weights approximately 243 kg more than 1964 Trabant Universal. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1964 Trabant Universal, 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, 1980 Ford Escort (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Trabant Universal. (51 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Trabant Universal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1964 Trabant Universal | |
| Make | Ford | Trabant |
| Model | Escort | Universal |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1964 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 23 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 51 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 53.3 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 903 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 24 L |
