1986 Ford Escort vs. 1996 Honda Civic
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 10 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 42 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Honda Civic (138 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1986 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1996 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | Civic |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 45 L |
