1978 Ford Capri vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Capri (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Capri weights approximately 165 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 1978 Ford Capri 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 1978 Ford Capri. 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, 1978 Ford Capri (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Capri | Escort |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1115 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 56 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 65 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
