1981 Ford Escort vs. 1999 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 1999 Subaru Legacy 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Subaru Legacy (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 361 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 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Subaru Legacy will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Legacy (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 1999 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Escort | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2640 mm |
