1986 Ford Escort vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2003 Subaru Legacy 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 2,455 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Legacy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Legacy (154 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 615 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 2003 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Legacy (219 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Escort | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 99.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 64 L |
