1981 Ford Escort vs. 1989 Nissan 200 SX Silvia
To start off, 1989 Nissan 200 SX Silvia 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 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Nissan 200 SX Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Nissan 200 SX Silvia (169 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Nissan 200 SX Silvia should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan 200 SX Silvia weights approximately 252 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 1989 Nissan 200 SX Silvia 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 Nissan 200 SX Silvia. 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 Nissan 200 SX Silvia (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan 200 SX Silvia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1989 Nissan 200 SX Silvia | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | 200 SX Silvia |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 233 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 | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2480 mm |
