1975 Ford Escort vs. 1985 Ford Orion
To start off, 1985 Ford Orion is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Ford Escort (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1985 Ford Orion. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Ford Escort weights approximately 60 kg more than 1985 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1975 Ford Escort (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Orion. (101 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1975 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 1985 Ford Orion | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Orion |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 64.5 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 | 955 kg | 895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 55 L |
