2009 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1981 Ford Escort
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 28 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 6,199 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (430 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 360 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 312 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Corvette 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 2009 Chevrolet Corvette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette (575 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 454 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Corvette | 1981 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Corvette | Escort |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6199 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 430 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 575 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 103.3 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2400 mm |
