1981 Ford Escort vs. 1983 Peugeot 604
To start off, 1983 Peugeot 604 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Peugeot 604 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Peugeot 604 (96 HP @ 4150 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Peugeot 604 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Peugeot 604 weights approximately 511 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 1983 Peugeot 604 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 1983 Peugeot 604. 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, 1983 Peugeot 604 (206 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Peugeot 604 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1983 Peugeot 604 | |
| Make | Ford | Peugeot |
| Model | Escort | 604 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2810 mm |
