1986 Ford Escort vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 88
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 88. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 88 would be higher. At 5,318 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 88 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 (200 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1955 Oldsmobile 88 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 weights approximately 740 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 1955 Oldsmobile 88 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 Oldsmobile 88. 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 Oldsmobile 88 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1986 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 1955 Oldsmobile 88 has manual transmission. 1955 Oldsmobile 88 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1955 Oldsmobile 88 | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Escort | 88 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 5318 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 98.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 87.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 3110 mm |
