1981 Ford Cortina vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,751 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 59 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Cortina weights approximately 90 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort.
Because 1981 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 1981 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 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Escort |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
