1981 Ford Escort vs. 2000 Kia Retona
To start off, 2000 Kia Retona is newer by 19 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), 2000 Kia Retona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Kia Retona (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Kia Retona should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Kia Retona weights approximately 916 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 2000 Kia Retona 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, 2000 Kia Retona 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, 2000 Kia Retona (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Kia Retona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 2000 Kia Retona | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Escort | Retona |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2370 mm |
