2002 Dodge Caravan vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 2002 Dodge Caravan is newer by 22 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 2,428 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Dodge Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Dodge Caravan (145 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Caravan should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Dodge Caravan weights approximately 840 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, 2002 Dodge Caravan, 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, 2002 Dodge Caravan (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Dodge Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Caravan | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Caravan | Escort |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2428 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 53 L |
