1980 Ford Escort vs. 1996 Rover 200
To start off, 1996 Rover 200 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 Rover 200 (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Rover 200 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Rover 200 weights approximately 165 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 Rover 200 (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Rover 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1996 Rover 200 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Escort | 200 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2510 mm |
