1980 Ford Escort vs. 1988 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 8 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 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Firebird (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort.
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, 1988 Pontiac Firebird (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1988 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Escort | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 60 L |
