1974 Ford Escort II (ATH) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The 1974 Ford Escort II (ATH) provides a luggage capacity of 385 liters (approximately 13.6 cubic feet). This capacity is quite practical for a compact sedan from the mid-1970s, offering a reasonable amount of storage for groceries, luggage, or daily use items. Compared to other compact sedans of its era, this volume is competitive, striking a balance between passenger space and storage.

Yes, the Escort II's compact dimensions ensure it fits comfortably into a standard garage. With a length of 3977 mm (156.7 inches) and a width of 1570 mm (61.8 inches), it occupies less space than many modern sedans, making parking indoors convenient. Most standard garages, which typically accommodate vehicles around 6 meters (about 19.7 feet) in length and 2.4 meters (about 7.9 feet) in width, will have ample room for this car, accommodating both the vehicle and some additional clearance.

The Escort II's width of 1570 mm (61.8 inches) is relatively narrow by modern standards but was typical for compact sedans in the 1970s. This narrower width contributes to nimble handling, making the car easier to maneuver in tight urban environments and traffic. Additionally, a narrower body generally means less aerodynamic drag and potentially better fuel efficiency. However, the limited width also affects interior shoulder room, which may feel tighter compared to wider contemporary cars.

Standing at 1406 mm (55.3 inches) tall, the Escort II has a modest height that contributes to a low center of gravity, which generally aids driving stability and handling. Inside, this height provides adequate headroom for most occupants while maintaining a sleek, aerodynamic profile. The relatively lower height compared to SUVs or taller sedans helps reduce wind resistance and can enhance fuel efficiency, making the Escort II suitable for both city and highway driving.

While the specific weight for the 1974 Ford Escort II (ATH) can vary slightly depending on options and trim, it typically weighs around 900 to 1000 kilograms (approximately 1984 to 2205 pounds). This relatively light weight for a sedan promotes agile performance, allowing for responsive acceleration and braking. Moreover, the lighter mass contributes positively to fuel efficiency, making the car economical to run, which was especially important during the 1970s fuel crises.

Compared to its predecessor, the Escort I, the Escort II (ATH) introduced in 1974 retained the compact size but featured a more modern and refined design. Dimensions remained fairly similar, though there were subtle increases in length and width to improve interior space comfort. The new design emphasized smoother lines and better aerodynamics while maintaining the vehicle's accessibility and nimbleness. This evolution made the Escort II more competitive and appealing in the growing compact car market of the 1970s.

When compared to contemporaries like the Volkswagen Golf Mk1 or Opel Kadett C, the Escort II's length of 3977 mm (156.7 inches) and width of 1570 mm (61.8 inches) are generally on par or slightly smaller. For example, the Volkswagen Golf Mk1 measured around 3700-3800 mm length but was wider around 1620 mm. The Escort's dimensions provided a practical balance between a maneuverable footprint and enough interior space, positioning it as a competitive option within the compact sedan class during the 1970s.

The 1974 Ford Escort II (ATH) typically offers seating for up to five occupants, with two front seats and a rear bench seat designed to accommodate three passengers. While interior space is compact due to the vehicle's overall size, the efficient use of space ensures reasonable legroom and headroom for its class. The cabin design prioritizes functionality and driver comfort, although taller passengers might find rear seating a bit snug during long journeys.

The 1974 Ford Escort II (ATH) features a traditional three-box sedan body style that includes a separate trunk compartment. This layout allows for secure and discrete luggage storage apart from the passenger cabin, contributing to practical everyday usability. The sedan configuration also generally offers better rear passenger comfort compared to hatchback alternatives, making it an appealing choice for buyers seeking a family or commuter vehicle during its production years.