1986 Ford Escort vs. 1968 Ford Ranchero
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Ranchero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Ranchero would be higher. At 7,022 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Ford Ranchero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford Ranchero (355 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford Ranchero should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Ford Ranchero weights approximately 615 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 1968 Ford Ranchero 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 1968 Ford Ranchero. 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, 1968 Ford Ranchero (651 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 513 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (138 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1968 Ford Ranchero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1968 Ford Ranchero | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Ranchero |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 7022 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 355 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 110.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 91.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2900 mm |
