1986 Ford Escort vs. 1966 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 1,703 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford Zephyr (72 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford Zephyr should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 276 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 1966 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 1966 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, 1966 Ford Zephyr (128 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1966 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 | 1966 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 1703 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1146 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 45 L |
