1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1997 Ford Escort
To start off, 1997 Ford Escort is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1997 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Escort weights approximately 280 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Ford Fiesta (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 1997 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fiesta | Escort |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 114 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1390 mm |
