1996 Fiat Barchetta vs. 1981 Ford Escort
To start off, 1996 Fiat Barchetta 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 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Fiat Barchetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Fiat Barchetta (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Fiat Barchetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Fiat Barchetta weights approximately 106 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.
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 Fiat Barchetta (164 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Fiat Barchetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Fiat Barchetta | 1981 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Barchetta | Escort |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2400 mm |
