1980 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Saturn Relay
To start off, 2004 Saturn Relay 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Saturn Relay is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Saturn Relay (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Saturn Relay should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort.
Because 2004 Saturn Relay 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, 2004 Saturn Relay 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, 2004 Saturn Relay (298 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Saturn Relay will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 2004 Saturn Relay 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. 2004 Saturn Relay will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2004 Saturn Relay | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Escort | Relay |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 3050 mm |
