1986 Ford Escort vs. 1988 Pontiac Fiero
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Fiero 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 2,826 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Fiero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Fiero (143 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Fiero should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Fiero weights approximately 340 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 Pontiac Fiero 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 Pontiac Fiero. 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 Pontiac Fiero (220 Nm) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm). This means 1988 Pontiac Fiero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1988 Pontiac Fiero | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Escort | Fiero |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 2826 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2380 mm |
