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Ford Escort

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Ford Escort Review, For Sale, Models, Specs & News in Australia

The Ford Escort was the Blue Oval's small car offering before the first Laser appeared in 1981, with the lineage contiinuing under the Focus nameplate since 2002. The Mk1 Escort was produced in Australia from 1970, before being replaced by the Mk2 Escort in 1975. Both generations became legendary in motorsport circles, with the rear-drive layout and abundance of performance parts available leading it to great success in rally and circuit racing.

Ford Escort Q&As

Check out real-world situations relating to the Ford Escort here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.

  • Importing a Nissan Silvia-powered 1973 MK1 Ford Escort

    There’s no reason why you couldn’t bring it in and get it registered for road use. To bring it in you need an import permit from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport in Canberra. That allows you to land the car, after you need to consult your state authorities to get it approved for registration. Rules vary from state to state, but it is most likely that you would need a report from an approved engineer.

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  • Escort for learner

    GREAT. The Escort is a fun car and great to learn about mechanics and driving. They're easy to work on, there are many parts available and they make a good little club competition car. However, it's old and won't have the modern safety features, but I would say go for it.

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  • Ethanol in the van

    THERE shouldn't be any problem in running your car on ethanol-blend petrol, as long as you understand it is still an unleaded petrol and needs the same sort of valve protection it needs on unleaded. The ethanol blends we are seeing are low in ethanol and there's generally no problem with them. It's only when you get to quite high blends that you could encounter problems. In terms of increasing fuel consumption, I don't know of any additive that will increase your fuel consumption on standard unleaded petrol.

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  • What's a good first car for a son?

    WITH $3000, your son shouldn't be choosy. Cast a wider net and search for the best car you can find for the money. It's better to have a car in good condition, though it might not be a cool choice. That might sound boring, but he'll get better service out of a car in tiptop shape than one that might have a better image but is run down.

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See All Ford Escort Q&As
Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.

Ford Escort Wheel Size

The Ford Escort has a number of different wheel and tyre options. When it comes to tyres, these range from ZR 70S 13 for Commercial in 1982.

Year Body Type Front Tyre Size Front Rim Rear Tyre Size Rear Rim
1982 Commercial ZR 70S 13 ZR 70S 13
1981 Coupe 13x4.5 inches 13x4.5 inches
1981 Sedan 13x4.5 inches 13x4.5 inches
1981 Commercial ZR 70S 13 ZR 70S 13
1980 Coupe 13x4.5 inches 13x4.5 inches
1980 Sedan 13x4.5 inches 13x4.5 inches
1980 Commercial ZR 70S 13 ZR 70S 13
1979 Coupe 13x4.5 inches 13x4.5 inches
1979 Sedan 13x4.5 inches 13x4.5 inches
1979 Commercial ZR 70S 13 ZR 70S 13
1978 Coupe 13x4.5 inches 13x4.5 inches
1978 Sedan 13x4.5 inches 13x4.5 inches
1978 Commercial ZR 70S 13 ZR 70S 13
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Ford Escort Wheel Sizes

Ford Escort Models Price and Specs

The price range for the Ford Escort varies based on the trim level you choose. Starting at $2,640 and going to $4,070 for the latest year the model was manufactured. The model range is available in the following body types starting from the engine/transmission specs shown below.

Year Body Type Specs Price from Price to
1982 Commercial 1.6L, Leaded, 3 SP AUTO $2,640 $4,070
1981 Sedan 1.6L, Leaded, 3 SP AUTO $2,310 $3,850
1981 Coupe 1.6L, Leaded, 3 SP AUTO $2,310 $5,500
1981 Commercial 2.0L, Leaded, 3 SP AUTO $2,640 $4,070
1980 Commercial 1.6L, Leaded, 3 SP AUTO
1980 Coupe 2.0L, Leaded, 3 SP AUTO
1980 Sedan 2.0L, Leaded, 3 SP AUTO
1979 Commercial 1.6L, Leaded, 3 SP AUTO
1979 Coupe 2.0L, Leaded, 3 SP AUTO
1979 Sedan 2.0L, Leaded, 3 SP AUTO
1978 Coupe 1.6L, Leaded, 3 SP AUTO
1978 Commercial 2.0L, Leaded, 3 SP AUTO
1978 Sedan 2.0L, Leaded, 3 SP AUTO
See All Ford Escort Pricing and Specs

Ford Escort Dimensions

The dimensions of the Ford Escort Commercial, Coupe and Sedan vary according to year of manufacture and spec level.

Year Body Type Height x Width x Length Ground Clearance
1982 Commercial 1545x1565x4059 mm
1981 Coupe 1380x1590x3980 mm 125 mm
1981 Sedan 1380x1590x3980 mm 125 mm
1981 Commercial 1545x1565x4059 mm
1980 Sedan 1380x1590x3980 mm 125 mm
1980 Coupe 1380x1590x3980 mm 125 mm
1980 Commercial 1545x1565x4059 mm
1979 Coupe 1380x1590x3980 mm 125 mm
1979 Sedan 1380x1590x3980 mm 125 mm
1979 Commercial 1545x1565x4059 mm
1978 Coupe 1380x1590x3980 mm 125 mm
1978 Sedan 1380x1590x3980 mm 125 mm
1978 Commercial 1545x1565x4059 mm
The dimensions shown above are for the base model. See All Ford Escort Dimensions

Ford Escort Fuel Consumption

The Ford Escort is available in a number of variants and body types that are powered by Leaded fuel type(s).

Year Body Type Fuel Consumption* Engine Fuel Type Transmission
1982 Commercial 1.6L Leaded 4 SP MAN
1981 Commercial 1.6L Leaded 4 SP MAN
1981 Coupe 1.6L Leaded 4 SP MAN
1981 Sedan 1.6L Leaded 4 SP MAN
1980 Commercial 1.6L Leaded 4 SP MAN
1980 Coupe 1.6L Leaded 4 SP MAN
1980 Sedan 1.6L Leaded 4 SP MAN
1979 Commercial 1.6L Leaded 4 SP MAN
1979 Coupe 1.6L Leaded 4 SP MAN
1979 Sedan 1.6L Leaded 4 SP MAN
1978 Commercial 1.6L Leaded 4 SP MAN
1978 Coupe 1.6L Leaded 4 SP MAN
1978 Sedan 1.6L Leaded 4 SP MAN
* Combined fuel consumption See All Ford Escort Pricing and Specs for 1982

Ford Escort Towing Capacity

The Ford Escort has maximum towing capacity of 545kg for the latest model available.

Year Body Type Braked Capacity from Braked Capacity to
1982 Commercial 545kg 545kg
1981 Coupe 0kg 0kg
1981 Sedan 0kg 0kg
1981 Commercial 545kg 545kg
1980 Coupe 0kg 0kg
1980 Sedan 0kg 0kg
1980 Commercial 545kg 545kg
1979 Coupe 0kg 0kg
1979 Sedan 0kg 0kg
1979 Commercial 545kg 545kg
1978 Coupe 0kg 0kg
1978 Sedan 0kg 0kg
1978 Commercial 545kg 545kg
See All Towing Capacity for Ford Escort