1984 Ford Escort vs. 2012 Dodge Charger
To start off, 2012 Dodge Charger is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Escort would be higher. At 6,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Charger (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 417 more horse power than 1984 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Charger weights approximately 1110 kg more than 1984 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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 Dodge Charger (637 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 546 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Ford Escort. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Ford Escort. 2012 Dodge Charger has automatic transmission and 1984 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1984 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Dodge Charger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Escort | 2012 Dodge Charger | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Escort | Charger |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 6400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 637 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5088 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 3053 mm |
