1980 Ford Escort vs. 2002 Lexus SC
To start off, 2002 Lexus SC is newer by 22 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 4,291 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lexus SC (278 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lexus SC weights approximately 845 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 2002 Lexus SC 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 2002 Lexus SC. 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, 2002 Lexus SC (447 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 2002 Lexus SC has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Lexus SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2002 Lexus SC | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Escort | SC |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 4291 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 278 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 66 L |
