1980 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 24 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 2,616 cc, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 527 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 2004 Mazda RX-8 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 2004 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Ford Escort | 2004 Mazda RX-8 | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Escort | RX-8 |
Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2616 cc |
Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 79 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 126 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1392 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 61 L |