1986 Ford Escort vs. 1986 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, both 1986 Ford Escort and 1986 Ford Thunderbird were released in the same year (1986). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (162 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 468 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 1986 Ford Thunderbird 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 1986 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1986 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 79.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1378 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 54 L |
