1981 Buick Estate vs. 2012 Ford Escape
To start off, 2012 Ford Escape is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Escape (177 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1981 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Estate weights approximately 223 kg more than 2012 Ford Escape.
Because 1981 Buick Estate 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 1981 Buick Estate. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Escape, 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, 1981 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Escape. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Estate | 2012 Ford Escape | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Estate | Escape |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1657 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4437 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2619 mm |
