1987 Ford Escort vs. 1961 Reliant Sabre 4
To start off, 1987 Ford Escort is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 would be higher. At 1,703 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Escort (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. (70 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1961 Reliant Sabre 4.
Because 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 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 1961 Reliant Sabre 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Ford Escort, 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, 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 (123 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Escort. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Escort | 1961 Reliant Sabre 4 | |
| Make | Ford | Reliant |
| Model | Escort | Sabre 4 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 1703 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 38 L |
