1980 Ford Escort vs. 1987 Renault 21
To start off, 1987 Renault 21 is newer by 7 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Renault 21 (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Renault 21 weights approximately 340 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 front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 1987 Renault 21 (270 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1987 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Escort | 21 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 157 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2610 mm |
