1974 Buick Centurion vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Buick Centurion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick Centurion would be higher. At 7,468 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick Centurion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick Centurion (226 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick Centurion should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick Centurion weights approximately 1160 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Buick Centurion 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 1974 Buick Centurion. 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, 1974 Buick Centurion (498 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 388 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Buick Centurion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1974 Buick Centurion has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Buick Centurion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick Centurion | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Centurion | Escort |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7468 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 498 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3160 mm | 2520 mm |
