1981 Ford Escort vs. 1989 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 1989 Plymouth Horizon 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 2,213 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Plymouth Horizon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Plymouth Horizon (91 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Plymouth Horizon should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Plymouth Horizon weights approximately 71 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Plymouth Horizon (165 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Plymouth Horizon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1989 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Escort | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2530 mm |
