1985 Ford Laser vs. 1976 Ford Escort
To start off, 1985 Ford Laser is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,490 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Laser (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1976 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Escort weights approximately 118 kg more than 1985 Ford Laser.
Because 1976 Ford Escort 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 1976 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Laser, 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, 1985 Ford Laser (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Laser | 1976 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Laser | Escort |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 792 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2420 mm |
