1986 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Ford Granada
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Granada (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Granada should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Granada weights approximately 365 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 Ford Granada 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 Ford Granada. 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 Ford Granada (216 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Granada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1981 Ford Granada | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Granada |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2780 mm |
