1982 Ford Laser vs. 1959 Ford Escort
To start off, 1982 Ford Laser is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Laser (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1959 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford Escort weights approximately 27 kg more than 1982 Ford Laser.
Because 1959 Ford Escort 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 1959 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Ford Laser, 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, 1982 Ford Laser (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Laser | 1959 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Laser | Escort |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 817 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2220 mm |
