1997 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1997 Ford Escort is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1997 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 485 kg more than 1997 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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 Plymouth Trail Duster (237 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Escort. (114 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Escort | 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Escort | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1391 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1890 mm |
