1986 Ford Escort vs. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass (160 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 789 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 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass 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 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass. 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, 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Ford | Oldsmobile |
| Model | Escort | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2960 mm |
