1981 Ford Escort vs. 1970 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1981 Ford Escort is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Toyota Carina (86 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Escort weights approximately 54 kg more than 1970 Toyota Carina.
Because 1970 Toyota Carina 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 1970 Toyota Carina. 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, 1981 Ford Escort (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Toyota Carina. (115 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1970 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Escort | Carina |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1405 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 70 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2430 mm |
