1980 Ford Escort vs. 2001 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2001 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 21 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Suzuki Samurai (62 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 305 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 2001 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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, 2001 Suzuki Samurai (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2001 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Escort | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1700 mm |
