1970 Ford Escort vs. 1990 Ford Orion
To start off, 1990 Ford Orion is newer by 20 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 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Ford Escort (120 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1990 Ford Orion. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Orion weights approximately 235 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, 1990 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, 1970 Ford Escort (148 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Orion. (130 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1970 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Escort | 1990 Ford Orion | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Orion |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 88 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 | 785 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
