Ford Escort (North America): Which Version Should You Buy?
The version to choose depends mainly on the balance you want between performance, fuel consumption, transmission, and body style. The third-generation Coupe offers the strongest engines: its 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT versions reach 145 hp and 190 Nm.
The version to choose depends mainly on the balance you want between performance, fuel consumption, transmission, and body style. The third-generation Coupe offers the strongest engines: its 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT versions reach 145 hp and 190 Nm. The second-generation Sedan combines up to 128 hp with a larger 50-litre tank, while the first-generation Estate 5-door provides the broadest engine choice by fuel type, including Gasoline and Diesel versions. Every Ford Escort (North America) listed here has FWD, an Inline 4-cylinder engine, no boost, and independent spring front suspension.
Ford Escort (North America) generations compared
The first generation ran from 1980 to August 1990 and is represented by an Estate 5-door body with 3 versions. Its 1.9 MT Gasoline choices produce either 86 hp and 136 Nm or 108 hp and 155 Nm. The third option, the 2.0 MT Diesel, produces 52 hp and 111 Nm. All three use a 5-speed Manual gearbox and FWD.
The second generation ran from 1990 to 1996. It is a Sedan with 8 listed versions, built around 1.8 MT, 1.8 AT, 1.9 MT, and 1.9 AT choices. The 1.8 versions develop 128 hp and 157 Nm, while the 1.9 versions produce either 88 hp or 89 hp, with 146 Nm in both cases. Manual versions have 5 speeds, Automatic versions have 4, and every version is FWD.
The third generation ran from 1996 to 2003. Its Coupe body has 8 listed versions, all named either 2.0 MT or 2.0 AT. The power outputs distinguish them: 112 hp, 132 hp, or 145 hp. Torque rises with output from 170 Nm to 173 Nm and then 190 Nm. The 2.0 MT versions use a 5-speed Manual gearbox, while the 2.0 AT versions use a 4-speed Automatic.
Ford Escort (North America) engine and gearbox specs
| Generation and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 1.9 MT (86 hp) | 86 hp | 136 Nm | 1,859 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First generation 1.9 MT (108 hp) | 108 hp | 155 Nm | 1,859 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| First generation 2.0 MT (52 hp) | 52 hp | 111 Nm | 1,998 cc | Diesel | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation 1.8 MT (128 hp) | 128 hp | 157 Nm | 1,840 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation 1.8 AT (128 hp) | 128 hp | 157 Nm | 1,840 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 1.9 MT (88 hp) | 88 hp | 146 Nm | 1,859 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation 1.9 AT (88 hp) | 88 hp | 146 Nm | 1,859 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 1.8 MT (128 hp) | 128 hp | 157 Nm | 1,840 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation 1.8 AT (128 hp) | 128 hp | 157 Nm | 1,840 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Second generation 1.9 MT (89 hp) | 89 hp | 146 Nm | 1,859 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Second generation 1.9 AT (89 hp) | 89 hp | 146 Nm | 1,859 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third generation 2.0 MT (132 hp) | 132 hp | 173 Nm | 1,988 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third generation 2.0 AT (132 hp) | 132 hp | 173 Nm | 1,988 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third generation 2.0 MT (145 hp) | 145 hp | 190 Nm | 1,999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third generation 2.0 AT (145 hp) | 145 hp | 190 Nm | 1,999 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third generation 2.0 AT (112 hp, 1,165 kg) | 112 hp | 170 Nm | 1,988 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| Third generation 2.0 MT (112 hp, 1,135 kg) | 112 hp | 170 Nm | 1,988 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third generation 2.0 MT (112 hp, 1,166 kg) | 112 hp | 170 Nm | 1,988 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| Third generation 2.0 AT (112 hp, 1,195 kg) | 112 hp | 170 Nm | 1,988 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
On calculated specific output, the first-generation Gasoline 1.9 MT versions deliver about 46.3 or 58.1 hp per litre, while the 2.0 MT Diesel delivers about 26.0 hp per litre. The second-generation 1.8 versions reach about 69.6 hp per litre, compared with approximately 47.3–47.9 hp per litre for the 1.9 versions. In the third generation, the 112 hp, 132 hp, and 145 hp engines provide approximately 56.3, 66.4, and 72.5 hp per litre respectively. The 145 hp engine therefore has the highest specific output in the supplied catalogue data.
Performance, fuel consumption, and mpg data
The first-generation acceleration figures are recorded as 1,097 seconds for every version. Because that value is presented consistently in the source data but is not credible as a normal acceleration result, it should not be used for choosing a car. Top speed is 165 km/h for the 86 hp 1.9 MT, 180 km/h for the 108 hp 1.9 MT, and 145 km/h for the 52 hp 2.0 MT. Fuel consumption is not measured for all three.
For the second generation, acceleration to 100 km/h is not measured for any version. The 128 hp 1.8 MT reaches 201 km/h, whereas the equivalent 1.8 AT top speed is not measured. The 88 hp 1.9 MT reaches 170 km/h; the 89 hp 1.9 MT reaches 165 km/h. Top speed is not measured for either 1.9 AT entry. Consumption is not measured for most second-generation versions, but the 89 hp 1.9 AT records 9.4 l/100 km in the city, 7.3 l/100 km on the highway, and 8.4 l/100 km combined.
The third generation provides the clearest direct comparisons. The 112 hp 2.0 MT with a 1,135 kg kerb weight reaches 100 km/h in 10.9 seconds and 191 km/h; it consumes 8.4 l/100 km city, 6.4 l/100 km highway, and 7.6 l/100 km combined. The comparable 112 hp 2.0 AT at 1,165 kg needs 11.6 seconds, reaches 182 km/h, and consumes 9.0, 6.9, and 8.1 l/100 km respectively. Choosing the Manual therefore saves 0.7 seconds in acceleration, adds 9 km/h to top speed, and reduces combined consumption by 0.5 l/100 km.
The 132 hp 2.0 MT accelerates in 9.4 seconds and reaches 204 km/h, with consumption of 9.0 l/100 km city, 7.1 l/100 km highway, and 8.1 l/100 km combined. The 132 hp 2.0 AT takes 10.5 seconds and reaches 190 km/h, while using 9.4, 7.1, and 8.4 l/100 km. The Manual is 1.1 seconds quicker, 14 km/h faster, and 0.3 l/100 km more economical on the combined cycle.
Performance and consumption for the 145 hp 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT are not measured. For the additional 112 hp 2.0 MT at 1,166 kg and 2.0 AT at 1,195 kg, acceleration and top speed are not measured; consumption remains 8.4/6.4/7.6 l/100 km for the Manual and 9.0/6.9/8.1 l/100 km for the Automatic.
Dimensions, weight, clearance, tank, and wheel sizes
Exterior dimensions are not measured for any listed version. Gross weight and wheel sizes are also not measured throughout the range.
First-generation kerb weight, gross weight, ground clearance, tank capacity, and wheel sizes are not measured. The second generation provides a 1,045 kg kerb weight for the 88 hp 1.9 MT, 1,097 kg for the 89 hp 1.9 MT, 1,109 kg for the 89 hp 1.9 AT, and 1,106 kg for the 128 hp 1.8 MT. Kerb weight is not measured for the second-generation 1.8 AT and 88 hp 1.9 AT. Every second-generation version has 130 mm of ground clearance and a 50-litre tank. Gross weight and wheel sizes are not measured.
In the third generation, recorded kerb weights span from 1,124 kg to 1,195 kg. The 132 hp 2.0 MT weighs 1,124 kg and the 132 hp 2.0 AT weighs 1,155 kg. The 145 hp 2.0 MT also weighs 1,124 kg, while weight for the 145 hp 2.0 AT is not measured. The 112 hp entries weigh 1,135 kg or 1,166 kg with Manual gearboxes and 1,165 kg or 1,195 kg with Automatic gearboxes. Ground clearance is 130 mm where measured and not measured on the heavier 112 hp Manual and Automatic entries. The 112 hp versions have a 48-litre tank; tank capacity for the 132 hp and 145 hp versions is not measured. Gross weight and wheel sizes are not measured.
Which Ford Escort (North America) version should you buy?
For the best measured performance, choose the third-generation 2.0 MT (132 hp). Its 9.4-second acceleration and 204 km/h top speed are the strongest measured results in the third generation. At 1,124 kg, it carries about 8.5 kg per horsepower. The 145 hp 2.0 MT has an even better calculated ratio of about 7.8 kg per horsepower at the same 1,124 kg kerb weight, but its acceleration, top speed, and consumption are not measured. It is the strongest specification on paper, though the data cannot confirm how that advantage translates into measured performance or economy.
For the strongest second-generation Sedan, choose the 1.8 MT (128 hp). It produces 40 hp more than the 88 hp 1.9 MT and 39 hp more than the 89 hp 1.9 MT, while its measured top speed of 201 km/h is 31 km/h above the 88 hp Manual and 36 km/h above the 89 hp Manual. Its calculated weight-to-power ratio is about 8.6 kg per horsepower, compared with about 11.9 for the 88 hp 1.9 MT and 12.3 for the 89 hp 1.9 MT.
For lower measured consumption, the third-generation 2.0 MT (112 hp, 1,135 kg) is the clearest choice. Its combined figure of 7.6 l/100 km is 0.5 l/100 km below the comparable 112 hp Automatic and 0.5 l/100 km below the 132 hp Manual. Buyers wanting an Automatic can choose between the measured 112 hp and 132 hp versions: the 132 hp 2.0 AT gains 20 hp and 3 Nm, cuts acceleration by 1.1 seconds, and raises top speed by 8 km/h, while combined consumption rises by 0.3 l/100 km.
For an Estate 5-door, the first-generation 1.9 MT (108 hp) is the stronger Gasoline option. Against the 86 hp 1.9 MT, it adds 22 hp and 19 Nm and raises top speed by 15 km/h without changing displacement, cylinder layout, gearbox, or drive. The 2.0 MT is the only Diesel choice in the supplied range, but it has the lowest output at 52 hp and the lowest measured top speed at 145 km/h.
The data does not include prices, equipment, condition, repair history, problems, or reliability measurements. Those factors cannot be ranked here. Based strictly on the catalogue numbers, the third-generation 2.0 MT (132 hp) is the most convincing all-round measured performer; the 2.0 MT (145 hp) offers the strongest power-to-weight specification; the 2.0 MT (112 hp, 1,135 kg) delivers the lowest measured combined consumption; and the second-generation 1.8 MT (128 hp) is the leading Sedan choice.