1981 Ford Escort vs. 2001 Opel Omega
To start off, 2001 Opel Omega is newer by 20 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Opel Omega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Opel Omega (142 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Opel Omega should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Omega weights approximately 780 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 2001 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 2001 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, 2001 Opel Omega (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 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 | 2001 Opel Omega | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Omega |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1734 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2840 mm |
