1996 Audi A3 vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1996 Audi A3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Audi A3 (151 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (69 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Audi A3 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. 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, 1996 Audi A3 (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A3 | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | A3 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 151 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 64.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 217 km/hour | 157 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 40 L |
