1986 Ford Escort vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari

To start off, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari 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 5,031 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari (138 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 975 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 Grand Safari 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 Grand Safari. 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 Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1986 Ford Escort 1988 Pontiac Grand Safari
Make Ford Pontiac
Model Escort Grand Safari
Year Released 1986 1988
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1751 cc 5031 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 8 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 59 HP 138 HP
Engine RPM 4800 RPM 3200 RPM
Torque 110 Nm 346 Nm
Torque RPM 2500 RPM 2000 RPM
Fuel Type Diesel Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Vehicle Weight 910 kg 1885 kg
Vehicle Length 4090 mm 5450 mm
Vehicle Width 1650 mm 2020 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1460 mm
Wheelbase Size 2520 mm 2950 mm


 

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