1981 Ford Cortina vs. 2007 Ford Escape

To start off, 2007 Ford Escape is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Ford Escape (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Ford Escape weights approximately 715 kg more than 1981 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1981 Ford Cortina 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 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Ford Escape (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina. 2007 Ford Escape has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Ford Escape will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1981 Ford Cortina 2007 Ford Escape
Make Ford Ford
Model Cortina Escape
Year Released 1981 2007
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1293 cc 2299 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 59 HP 133 HP
Engine RPM 5750 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 92 Nm 168 Nm
Torque RPM 3500 RPM 4250 RPM
Engine Bore Size 81 mm 87.4 mm
Engine Stroke Size 63 mm 94 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.2:1 12.4:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline / Electric Hybrid
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1000 kg 1715 kg
Vehicle Length 4350 mm 4450 mm
Vehicle Width 1710 mm 1790 mm
Vehicle Height 1370 mm 1780 mm
Wheelbase Size 2590 mm 2630 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 54 L 57 L