1981 Ford Escort vs. 1999 Opel Omega
To start off, 1999 Opel Omega is newer by 18 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 2,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Opel Omega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Opel Omega (142 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Opel Omega should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Opel Omega weights approximately 731 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 1999 Opel Omega 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 1999 Opel Omega. 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, 1999 Opel Omega (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Opel Omega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1999 Opel Omega | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Omega |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2640 mm |
