1986 Ford Escort vs. 1998 Ford Laser
To start off, 1998 Ford Laser is newer by 12 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 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Laser (128 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Laser weights approximately 375 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, 1998 Ford Laser (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 1998 Ford Laser 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. 1998 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1998 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Laser |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
