1980 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2008 Toyota Highlander 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 3,545 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (43 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 427 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 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 2008 Toyota Highlander 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 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2008 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Escort | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 3545 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 903 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 73 L |
