2012 Cadillac Escalade vs. 1981 Ford Laser
To start off, 2012 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Laser would be higher. At 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Cadillac Escalade (403 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 318 more horse power than 1981 Ford Laser. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 1697 kg more than 1981 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Cadillac Escalade 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 2012 Cadillac Escalade. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Laser, 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, 2012 Cadillac Escalade (565 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 445 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Laser. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Cadillac Escalade | 1981 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | Escalade | Laser |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6200 cc | 1490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 403 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 565 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2489 kg | 792 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5144 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2007 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1928 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2946 mm | 2370 mm |
