1986 Ford Escort vs. 1988 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1988 Ford Fairlane is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Fairlane (138 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 760 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 1988 Ford Fairlane 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 1988 Ford Fairlane. 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, 1988 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1988 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 4089 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2950 mm |
