1989 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Holden Commodore
To start off, 1997 Holden Commodore is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Escort would be higher. At 4,987 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Holden Commodore (225 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1989 Ford Escort. (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Holden Commodore should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Holden Commodore weights approximately 525 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 1997 Holden Commodore 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 1997 Holden Commodore. 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, 1997 Holden Commodore (395 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Escort. (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 1997 Holden Commodore | |
| Make | Ford | Holden |
| Model | Escort | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 4987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 395 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2950 mm |
