1989 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Ford Granada
To start off, 1989 Ford Escort is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Granada (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Granada should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Granada weights approximately 400 kg more than 1989 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ford Granada 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 Ford Granada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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 Granada (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Granada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 1981 Ford Granada | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Granada |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2780 mm |
