1980 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Dodge Caliber
To start off, 2012 Dodge Caliber is newer by 32 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Caliber (158 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 491 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 1980 Ford Escort 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 1980 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Caliber, 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, 2012 Dodge Caliber (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Ford Escort | 2012 Dodge Caliber | |
Make | Ford | Dodge |
Model | Escort | Caliber |
Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 939 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 45 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
Torque | 60 Nm | 191 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1366 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4415 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1748 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1534 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2634 mm |