1968 Ford Escort vs. 1986 Ford Orion
To start off, 1986 Ford Orion 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 1,751 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Orion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Escort (64 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1986 Ford Orion. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Orion weights approximately 89 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 Orion, 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 Orion (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (101 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Orion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1986 Ford Orion | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Orion |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 871 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 116 L |
