1996 Ford Ka vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1996 Ford Ka is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Ka (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Ka weights approximately 33 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Ford Escort 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 1980 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Ka, 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 Ka (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Ka | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Ka | Escort |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 908 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
