1974 Ford Cortina 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 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (59 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1974 Ford Cortina. (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Because 1974 Ford Cortina 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 Ford Cortina. 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, 1986 Ford Escort (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Cortina | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Escort |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
