1980 Ford Escort vs. 1997 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 1997 TVR Chimaera 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 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 TVR Chimaera (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 TVR Chimaera weights approximately 130 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 1997 TVR Chimaera 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 1997 TVR Chimaera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, 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 TVR Chimaera (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1997 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Ford | TVR |
| Model | Escort | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 94.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 57 L |
