1996 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Escort (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 55 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort.
Because 1981 Ford Mustang 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 1981 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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 Ford Escort (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Ford Escort | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Escort | Mustang |
Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1988 cc | 2294 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 112 HP | 87 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 173 Nm | 161 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1185 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2560 mm |