1986 Ford Escort vs. 1978 Triumph TR7
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Triumph TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Triumph TR7 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Triumph TR7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Triumph TR7 (106 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Triumph TR7 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Triumph TR7 weights approximately 135 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 Triumph TR7 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 Triumph TR7. 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 Triumph TR7 (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Triumph TR7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1978 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | Ford | Triumph |
| Model | Escort | TR7 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
