1985 Ford Escort vs. 2006 Honda Element
To start off, 2006 Honda Element is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Honda Element (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1985 Ford Escort. (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Escort weights approximately 227 kg more than 2006 Honda Element.
Because 2006 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 2006 Honda Element | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | Element |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 16.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 853 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
