1986 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Plymouth Volare
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Plymouth Volare. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Plymouth Volare would be higher. At 3,685 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Plymouth Volare is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Plymouth Volare (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Plymouth Volare should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Plymouth Volare weights approximately 575 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 1978 Plymouth Volare 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 1978 Plymouth Volare. 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, 1978 Plymouth Volare (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Plymouth Volare will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1978 Plymouth Volare | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Escort | Volare |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 3685 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2870 mm |
