1980 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1997 Toyota Corolla 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Toyota Corolla (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 360 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, 1997 Toyota Corolla (150 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1997 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Escort | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.5 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2470 mm |
