1980 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Renault Clio
To start off, 2012 Renault Clio 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Renault Clio (81 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Renault Clio should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Renault Clio weights approximately 280 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 front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2012 Renault Clio (200 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2012 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Escort | Clio |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 17.9:1 |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
