1991 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight

To start off, 1991 Ford Escort is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1991 Ford Escort. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight should accelerate faster than 1991 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 690 kg more than 1991 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight 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 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1991 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 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (278 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Ford Escort. (135 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Ford Escort. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 1991 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1991 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1991 Ford Escort 1981 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
Make Ford Oldsmobile
Model Escort Ninety-Eight
Year Released 1991 1981
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1598 cc 4129 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 105 HP 123 HP
Engine RPM 6000 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 135 Nm 278 Nm
Torque RPM 4500 RPM 2000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Vehicle Weight 1065 kg 1755 kg
Vehicle Length 4040 mm 5610 mm
Vehicle Width 1690 mm 1960 mm
Vehicle Height 1350 mm 1420 mm