1981 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Renault Spider
To start off, 1997 Renault Spider is newer by 16 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Renault Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Renault Spider (140 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Spider weights approximately 36 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 1997 Renault Spider 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 1997 Renault Spider. 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, 1997 Renault Spider (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1997 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Escort | Spider |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2350 mm |
