2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1985 Ford Escort
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Escort (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat Panda weights approximately 60 kg more than 1985 Ford Escort.
Because 2009 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, both vehicles can yield 180 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 1985 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Panda | Escort |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
