1980 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Dodge Durango
To start off, 2011 Dodge Durango is newer by 31 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Dodge Durango is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Durango (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Durango should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Durango weights approximately 1282 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Dodge Durango (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Durango will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 2011 Dodge Durango 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. 2011 Dodge Durango will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2011 Dodge Durango | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Escort | Durango |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 2157 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5075 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1925 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1801 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3043 mm |
