1980 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Honda Insight
To start off, 2003 Honda Insight is newer by 23 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 995 cc (3 cylinders), 2003 Honda Insight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda Insight (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda Insight should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Escort weights approximately 35 kg more than 2003 Honda Insight.
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, 2003 Honda Insight, 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, 2003 Honda Insight (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Honda Insight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2003 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | Insight |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
