2008 Fiat Panda vs. 1981 Ford Escort
To start off, 2008 Fiat Panda is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Escort (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2008 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Fiat Panda weights approximately 11 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort.
Because 2008 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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, 1981 Ford Escort (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat Panda | 1981 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Panda | Escort |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2400 mm |
