1985 Dodge Conquest vs. 1981 Ford Escort
To start off, 1985 Dodge Conquest is newer by 4 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 2,555 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Dodge Conquest is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Dodge Conquest (143 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Dodge Conquest should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Dodge Conquest weights approximately 326 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 1985 Dodge Conquest 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 1985 Dodge Conquest. 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, 1985 Dodge Conquest (251 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Dodge Conquest will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Dodge Conquest | 1981 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Conquest | Escort |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2555 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2400 mm |
