1987 Ford Thunderbird vs. 1981 Ford Escort
To start off, 1987 Ford Thunderbird is newer by 6 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 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Thunderbird (193 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Escort weights approximately 18 kg more than 1987 Ford Thunderbird.
Because 1987 Ford Thunderbird 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 1987 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1981 Ford Escort (121 Nm) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Thunderbird. (91 Nm). This means 1981 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Thunderbird | 1981 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Escort |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.4 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 936 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2400 mm |
