1986 Ford Escort vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (190 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 604 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 1985 Pontiac Firebird 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 1985 Pontiac Firebird. 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Escort | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 61 L |
