1988 Citroen AX vs. 1970 Ford Escort

To start off, 1988 Citroen AX is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1970 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Ford Escort (98 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1988 Citroen AX. (57 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1970 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen AX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Ford Escort weights approximately 143 kg more than 1988 Citroen AX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1970 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 1970 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1970 Ford Escort (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Citroen AX. (88 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1970 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Citroen AX.

Compare all specifications:

1988 Citroen AX 1970 Ford Escort
Make Citroen Ford
Model AX Escort
Year Released 1988 1970
Body Type Hatchback Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1124 cc 1599 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 57 HP 98 HP
Engine RPM 6200 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 88 Nm 125 Nm
Torque RPM 3700 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 9.4:1 9.0:1
Top Speed 167 km/hour 156 km/hour
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 708 kg 851 kg
Vehicle Length 3530 mm 3980 mm
Vehicle Width 1560 mm 1570 mm
Vehicle Height 1360 mm 1350 mm
Wheelbase Size 2290 mm 2410 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 43 L 41 L