1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 17 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 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 530 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 1997 Chevrolet Corvette 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 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 349 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (126 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Corvette | Escort |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 277 km/hour | 167 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 40 L |
