1981 Ford Escort vs. 1969 Porsche 914
To start off, 1981 Ford Escort is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Porsche 914. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Porsche 914 would be higher. At 1,971 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Porsche 914 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Porsche 914 (101 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Porsche 914 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Porsche 914 weights approximately 6 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1969 Porsche 914 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 1969 Porsche 914. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Escort, 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, 1969 Porsche 914 (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1969 Porsche 914 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1969 Porsche 914 | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Escort | 914 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1971 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2460 mm |
