1980 Ford Escort vs. 2009 Suzuki Equator
To start off, 2009 Suzuki Equator is newer by 29 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Suzuki Equator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Suzuki Equator (262 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Suzuki Equator should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Suzuki Equator weights approximately 170 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 2009 Suzuki Equator 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 2009 Suzuki Equator. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, 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, 2009 Suzuki Equator (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Suzuki Equator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 2009 Suzuki Equator 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. 2009 Suzuki Equator will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2009 Suzuki Equator | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Escort | Equator |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 3560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 80 L |
