1986 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Honda Ballade
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 1,751 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Honda Ballade (67 HP) has 8 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Honda Ballade should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 125 kg more than 1981 Honda Ballade.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1986 Ford Escort (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Ballade. 1981 Honda Ballade has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Honda Ballade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1981 Honda Ballade | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | Ballade |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1334 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2330 mm |
