2006 Dodge Caliber vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 2006 Dodge Caliber is newer by 26 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Dodge Caliber (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (43 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 522 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, 2006 Dodge Caliber, 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, 2006 Dodge Caliber (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Caliber | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Caliber | Escort |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 144 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 903 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 45 L |
