1980 Ford Escort vs. 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette
To start off, 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette 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 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette (163 HP) has 114 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette weights approximately 860 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 Oldsmobile Silhouette (298 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (84 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette 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. 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Escort | Silhouette |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 163 HP |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2800 mm |
