1986 Ford Escort vs. 2001 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Trans Am is newer by 15 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 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Trans Am (153 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Trans Am should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Trans Am weights approximately 810 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 2001 Pontiac Trans Am 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 2001 Pontiac Trans Am. 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, 2001 Pontiac Trans Am (455 Nm) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm). This means 2001 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2001 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Escort | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 455 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2570 mm |
