1978 Ford Fiesta 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 Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (61 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 175 kg more than 1978 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Fiesta | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Fiesta | Escort |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 956 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 61 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 64.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 48 L |
