1990 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1990 Ford Escort is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ford Escort (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Escort weights approximately 225 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1990 Ford Escort (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Escort | 1981 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2310 mm |
