1983 Buick Electra vs. 1986 Ford Escort

To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Buick Electra would be higher. At 4,129 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Buick Electra (123 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Buick Electra should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Buick Electra weights approximately 745 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 1983 Buick Electra 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 1983 Buick Electra. 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, 1983 Buick Electra (279 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1983 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1983 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1983 Buick Electra 1986 Ford Escort
Make Buick Ford
Model Electra Escort
Year Released 1983 1986
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4129 cc 1753 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 123 HP 59 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 4600 RPM
Torque 279 Nm 110 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 2500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 100.7 mm 82.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 86.4 mm 82 mm
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1690 kg 945 kg
Vehicle Length 5600 mm 4090 mm
Vehicle Width 1970 mm 1650 mm
Vehicle Height 1400 mm 1400 mm
Wheelbase Size 3030 mm 2410 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 95 L 45 L