1981 Ford Escort vs. 1989 Morgan 4
To start off, 1989 Morgan 4 is newer by 8 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Morgan 4 (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Morgan 4 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Escort weights approximately 129 kg more than 1989 Morgan 4.
Because 1989 Morgan 4 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 1989 Morgan 4. 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, 1989 Morgan 4 (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Morgan 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1989 Morgan 4 | |
| Make | Ford | Morgan |
| Model | Escort | 4 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2450 mm |
