1989 Dodge Shadow vs. 1976 Ford Escort
To start off, 1989 Dodge Shadow is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,213 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Dodge Shadow is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Dodge Shadow (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1976 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Shadow should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Dodge Shadow weights approximately 412 kg more than 1976 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Escort 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 1976 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Shadow, 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, 1989 Dodge Shadow (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Shadow will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Dodge Shadow | 1976 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Shadow | Escort |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1288 kg | 876 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2410 mm |
