1980 Ford Escort vs. 1996 Mazda 121
To start off, 1996 Mazda 121 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 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda 121 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda 121 (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (43 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 121 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda 121 weights approximately 88 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 1980 Ford Escort 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 1980 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mazda 121, 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, 1996 Mazda 121 (111 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda 121 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Ford Escort | 1996 Mazda 121 | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Escort | 121 |
Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1242 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 43 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 71 Nm | 111 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 71 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 53.3 mm | 83.6 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 144 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 903 kg | 991 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3820 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2460 mm |