1986 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Cherry would be higher. At 1,270 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Cherry is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Nissan Cherry (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Cherry should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort.
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, 1981 Nissan Cherry (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Cherry will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1981 Nissan Cherry 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 Nissan Cherry will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1981 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Escort | Cherry |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 1270 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2400 mm |
