1981 Ford Escort vs. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C
To start off, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is newer by 31 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 3,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 McLaren MP4-12C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (592 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 522 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 McLaren MP4-12C weights approximately 480 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 2012 McLaren MP4-12C 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 2012 McLaren MP4-12C. 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, 2012 McLaren MP4-12C (600 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 479 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 McLaren MP4-12C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Escort | 2012 McLaren MP4-12C | |
| Make | Ford | McLaren |
| Model | Escort | MP4-12C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 592 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 954 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1199 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2670 mm |
