1986 Ford Escort vs. 1974 Ford Capri
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Ford Capri (137 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Capri weights approximately 185 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 1974 Ford Capri 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 1974 Ford Capri. 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, 1974 Ford Capri (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1974 Ford Capri will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1986 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 1974 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1974 Ford Capri 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 | 1974 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Capri |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2570 mm |
