1986 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Ford Five Hundred
To start off, 2004 Ford Five Hundred is newer by 18 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), 2004 Ford Five Hundred is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Five Hundred (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Five Hundred should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 860 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 2004 Ford Five Hundred is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Five Hundred 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, 2004 Ford Five Hundred (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Five Hundred will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 2004 Ford Five Hundred 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. 2004 Ford Five Hundred will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2004 Ford Five Hundred | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Five Hundred |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 72 L |
