1996 Ford Escort vs. 1980 Ford Laser
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Laser would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1980 Ford Laser. (94 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 295 kg more than 1980 Ford Laser. 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 Ford Escort (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Laser. (123 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Laser. 1980 Ford Laser has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1980 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Laser |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2370 mm |
