1986 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2003 Ford Taurus is newer by 17 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Taurus (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 567 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, 2003 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 2003 Ford Taurus 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. 2003 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2003 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1477 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 68 L |
