1986 Ford Escort vs. 1970 Opel Manta
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Opel Manta would be higher. At 1,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Opel Manta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Opel Manta (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Opel Manta should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Opel Manta weights approximately 60 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 1970 Opel Manta 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 1970 Opel Manta. 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, 1970 Opel Manta (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1970 Opel Manta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1970 Opel Manta | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Manta |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 61 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2440 mm |
