1994 Ford Orion vs. 1981 GMC Jimmy
To start off, 1994 Ford Orion is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 GMC Jimmy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 GMC Jimmy would be higher. At 6,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 GMC Jimmy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 GMC Jimmy (130 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1994 Ford Orion. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 GMC Jimmy should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 GMC Jimmy weights approximately 925 kg more than 1994 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 GMC Jimmy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1994 Ford Orion. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 GMC Jimmy will offer significantly more control. 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 GMC Jimmy (326 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Ford Orion. (130 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 GMC Jimmy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Ford Orion. 1981 GMC Jimmy has automatic transmission and 1994 Ford Orion has manual transmission. 1994 Ford Orion will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 GMC Jimmy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Orion | 1981 GMC Jimmy | |
| Make | Ford | GMC |
| Model | Orion | Jimmy |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 6210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1840 mm |
