1996 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Honda Accord
To start off, 1996 Ford Escort is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,602 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Honda Accord (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Escort weights approximately 240 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord.
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, 1981 Honda Accord (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (115 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1981 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 1981 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | Accord |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 1602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
