1980 Ford Escort vs. 1976 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Chrysler 1609. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Chrysler 1609 would be higher. At 1,639 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Chrysler 1609 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Chrysler 1609 (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (43 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Chrysler 1609 weights approximately 189 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1976 Chrysler 1609 (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Chrysler 1609 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 1976 Chrysler 1609 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. 1976 Chrysler 1609 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1976 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Ford | Chrysler |
| Model | Escort | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 903 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2670 mm |
