1986 Ford Escort vs. 1955 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,260 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1955 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1955 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 235 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort.
Because 1955 Ford Zephyr 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 1955 Ford Zephyr. 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, 1955 Ford Zephyr (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1955 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1955 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 40 L |
