1980 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2011 Dodge Nitro 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Nitro (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 957 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 Nitro (359 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 299 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 2011 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. 2011 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Ford Escort | 2011 Dodge Nitro | |
Make | Ford | Dodge |
Model | Escort | Nitro |
Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 939 cc | 4000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 45 HP | 260 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 60 Nm | 359 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1832 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4544 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1857 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1791 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2764 mm |