1986 Ford Escort vs. 1979 Opel Ascona
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 2,408 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Opel Ascona (142 HP) has 67 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (75 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Opel Ascona weights approximately 187 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 1979 Opel Ascona 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 1979 Opel Ascona. 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, 1979 Opel Ascona (210 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1979 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1979 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Escort | Ascona |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 2408 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 142 HP |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 1082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |
