1998 Fiat Punto vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1998 Fiat Punto is newer by 18 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 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Fiat Punto is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Fiat Punto (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (43 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Fiat Punto should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Fiat Punto weights approximately 57 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, 1998 Fiat Punto, 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, 1998 Fiat Punto (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Fiat Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Fiat Punto | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Punto | Escort |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 53.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 903 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 45 L |
