1983 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Buick Century
To start off, 1983 Ford Escort is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Buick Century (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1983 Ford Escort. (51 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Century weights approximately 380 kg more than 1983 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Buick Century 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 1981 Buick Century. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1981 Buick Century (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Ford Escort. (111 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Escort | 1981 Buick Century | |
| Make | Ford | Buick |
| Model | Escort | Century |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2760 mm |
