1986 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Buick Century
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,213 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Buick Century is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Buick Century (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Buick Century should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Century weights approximately 520 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 1981 Buick Century 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 1981 Buick Century. 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, 1981 Buick Century (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Century will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1981 Buick Century | |
| Make | Ford | Buick |
| Model | Escort | Century |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 3213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2760 mm |
