1986 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Honda Civic
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,169 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Honda Civic (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 147 kg more than 1978 Honda Civic.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Civic. (79 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1978 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | Civic |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 1169 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 79 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 678 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2210 mm |
