1980 Ford Escort vs. 2006 Honda Element
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 26 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (43 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 1089 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 2006 Honda Element 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, 2006 Honda Element 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, 2006 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 2006 Honda Element 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. 2006 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2006 Honda Element | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | Element |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 53.3 mm | 99 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 903 kg | 1992 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 60 L |
