2005 Fiat Panda vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 2005 Fiat Panda is newer by 25 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 1,108 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Fiat Panda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Fiat Panda (54 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Escort weights approximately 70 kg more than 2005 Fiat Panda.
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, 2005 Fiat Panda, 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, 2005 Fiat Panda (88 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Fiat Panda | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Panda | Escort |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1108 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 53 L |
