1958 Ford Escort vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1958 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 73 kg more than 1958 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Ford Escort 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 1958 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1986 Ford Escort (100 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Ford Escort. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford Escort | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Escort |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 64.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 48 L |
