1990 Ford Escort vs. 1996 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 1996 TVR Chimaera is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Escort would be higher. At 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 TVR Chimaera (225 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1990 Ford Escort. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Escort weights approximately 70 kg more than 1996 TVR Chimaera.
Because 1996 TVR Chimaera 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 1996 TVR Chimaera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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, 1996 TVR Chimaera (373 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Escort. (146 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1996 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Escort | 1996 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Ford | TVR |
| Model | Escort | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2290 mm |
