1980 Ford Escort vs. 2005 Ford Ka
To start off, 2005 Ford Ka is newer by 25 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 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Ka (73 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Escort weights approximately 5 kg more than 2005 Ford Ka.
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, 2005 Ford Ka, 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, 2005 Ford Ka (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2005 Ford Ka | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Ka |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
