1980 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 is newer by 17 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 1,712 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (43 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 322 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 (149 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1997 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Ford | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Escort | 146 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1712 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 53.3 mm | 72 mm |
| Top Speed | 144 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 903 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
