1986 Ford Escort vs. 1970 Reliant Bug
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Reliant Bug. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Reliant Bug would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1970 Reliant Bug. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1970 Reliant Bug. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 552 kg more than 1970 Reliant Bug. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Reliant Bug 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 Reliant Bug. 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, 1986 Ford Escort (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Reliant Bug. (52 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Reliant Bug. 1986 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 1970 Reliant Bug has manual transmission. 1970 Reliant Bug 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 | 1970 Reliant Bug | |
Make | Ford | Reliant |
Model | Escort | Bug |
Year Released | 1986 | 1970 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1597 cc | 701 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 31 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 133 Nm | 52 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 60.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 61 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 121 km/hour |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 408 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 2800 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1400 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 1960 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 23 L |