1968 Ford Escort vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Escort (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 198 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort.
Because 1968 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 1968 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, 1968 Ford Escort (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1968 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1986 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 1968 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1968 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Escort |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 762 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 116 L |
