1986 Ford Escort vs. 1976 Nissan 260 ZX
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Nissan 260 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Nissan 260 ZX would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Nissan 260 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Nissan 260 ZX (124 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Nissan 260 ZX should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Nissan 260 ZX weights approximately 339 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 1976 Nissan 260 ZX 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 1976 Nissan 260 ZX. 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, 1976 Nissan 260 ZX (189 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1976 Nissan 260 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1976 Nissan 260 ZX | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | 260 ZX |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2610 mm |
