1987 Citroen AX vs. 1971 Ford Escort
To start off, 1987 Citroen AX is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,098 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Citroen AX (44 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1971 Ford Escort. (38 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Citroen AX should accelerate faster than 1971 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Escort weights approximately 83 kg more than 1987 Citroen AX.
Because 1971 Ford Escort is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1971 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Citroen AX, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1987 Citroen AX (73 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Citroen AX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Ford Escort. 1971 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 1987 Citroen AX has manual transmission. 1987 Citroen AX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen AX | 1971 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Citroen | Ford |
| Model | AX | Escort |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 954 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 722 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2400 mm |
