2008 Dodge Charger vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 2008 Dodge Charger is newer by 28 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 2,736 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Charger (191 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (79 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Charger weights approximately 1448 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 2008 Dodge Charger 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 2008 Dodge Charger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Ford Escort, 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, 2008 Dodge Charger (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort. 2008 Dodge Charger has automatic transmission and 1980 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1980 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Dodge Charger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Charger | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Charger | Escort |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2736 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.9:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2343 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 40 L |
