1980 Ford Escort vs. 1996 Honda Civic
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 16 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 315 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, 1996 Honda Civic (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1996 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | Civic |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
