1974 Buick GS 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 GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Buick GS would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Buick GS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Buick GS (190 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Buick GS should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Buick GS weights approximately 720 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 GS 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 GS. 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 GS (394 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 284 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1974 Buick GS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Buick GS | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | GS | Escort |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2520 mm |
