1986 Ford Escort vs. 2004 Honda Element
To start off, 2004 Honda Element 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 2,353 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Honda Element (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Honda Element should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Honda Element weights approximately 493 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 Honda Element 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, 2004 Honda Element 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 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2004 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2004 Honda Element | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Escort | Element |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1573 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2630 mm |
