1986 Ford Escort vs. 1996 Saab 900
To start off, 1996 Saab 900 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Saab 900 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Saab 900 (132 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Saab 900 weights approximately 405 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 Saab 900 (177 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Saab 900 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1996 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Ford | Saab |
| Model | Escort | 900 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 68 L |
