1981 Ford Escort vs. 2008 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2008 Subaru Forester is newer by 27 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 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Subaru Forester (228 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Subaru Forester weights approximately 531 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 2008 Subaru Forester 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, 2008 Subaru Forester 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, 2008 Subaru Forester (320 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 2008 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Escort | Forester |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 99.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2530 mm |
