1986 Ford Orion vs. 1978 Volkswagen Iltis
To start off, 1986 Ford Orion is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Iltis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Iltis would be higher. At 1,714 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Iltis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Orion (90 HP) has 16 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Iltis. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Orion should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Iltis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Iltis weights approximately 370 kg more than 1986 Ford Orion.
Because 1978 Volkswagen Iltis is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Ford Orion. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Iltis 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, 1978 Volkswagen Iltis (136 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Orion. (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Iltis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Orion. 1986 Ford Orion has automatic transmission and 1978 Volkswagen Iltis has manual transmission. 1978 Volkswagen Iltis will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Ford Orion will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Orion | 1978 Volkswagen Iltis | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Orion | Iltis |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1714 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2110 mm |
