1983 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 1981 Ford Escort
To start off, 1983 Chevrolet Caprice is newer by 2 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 5,001 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Chevrolet Caprice (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 766 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 1983 Chevrolet Caprice 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 1983 Chevrolet Caprice. 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, 1983 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Chevrolet Caprice | 1981 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Caprice | Escort |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5001 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94.9 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2400 mm |
