1986 Ford Escort vs. 2000 Ford Contour
To start off, 2000 Ford Contour is newer by 14 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 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Contour (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Contour weights approximately 378 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, 2000 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 2000 Ford Contour 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. 2000 Ford Contour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2000 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Contour |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1248 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
