1970 Ford Escort vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Ford Escort (120 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 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 95 kg more than 1970 Ford Escort.
Because 1970 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 1970 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, 1970 Ford Escort (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1970 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Escort | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Escort |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 179 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 41 L | 54 L |
