1980 Ford Escort vs. 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado
To start off, 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 5,030 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado (138 HP) has 89 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado weights approximately 875 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 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado 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 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado. 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, 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (84 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado 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. 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1985 Oldsmobile Toronado | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Escort | Toronado |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 5030 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 138 HP |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2910 mm |
