1980 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2008 Dodge Nitro is newer by 28 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 2,768 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Nitro (175 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 995 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 2008 Dodge Nitro 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, 2008 Dodge Nitro 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, 2008 Dodge Nitro (460 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 334 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 2008 Dodge Nitro 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. 2008 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2008 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Escort | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 70 L |
