1981 Fiat Panda vs. 1989 Ford Escort
To start off, 1989 Ford Escort is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Escort (61 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Panda. (34 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Escort weights approximately 195 kg more than 1981 Fiat Panda. 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, 1989 Ford Escort (100 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Panda. (58 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Panda | 1989 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Panda | Escort |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 61 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 48 L |
