1998 Ford Focus vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 12 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Focus (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Focus weights approximately 259 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Escort |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 198 km/hour | 151 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1169 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 45 L |
