1996 Ferrari F355 vs. 1981 Ford Escort
To start off, 1996 Ferrari F355 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Escort would be higher. At 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari F355 (375 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 305 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari F355 weights approximately 396 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Ferrari F355 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 Ferrari F355. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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 Ferrari F355 (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari F355 | 1981 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ford |
| Model | F355 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2400 mm |
