1986 Ford Escort vs. 1983 Reliant SE6
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Reliant SE6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Reliant SE6 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Reliant SE6 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Reliant SE6 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Reliant SE6 weights approximately 380 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 1983 Reliant SE6 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 1983 Reliant SE6. 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, 1983 Reliant SE6 (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (97 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Reliant SE6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1983 Reliant SE6 | |
| Make | Ford | Reliant |
| Model | Escort | SE6 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2650 mm |
