1997 Ford Mustang vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1997 Ford Mustang 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 3,795 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Mustang (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Mustang weights approximately 515 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1997 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Mustang | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Escort |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
