| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1986 |
| Production Years: | 1986 - 1991 discontinued in 1991 |
The Ford Escort IV Cabrio, produced from 1986 to 1991, represents the convertible variant of the fourth-generation Ford Escort, a popular compact car that gained recognition for its practicality and quintessential 1980s styling. As a cabriolet, this model brought an additional open-air driving experience to the Escort lineup, combining the agility of a compact car with the pleasure of a convertible roof.
Dimensionally, the Escort IV Cabrio features a compact footprint that was well-suited for urban driving and tight European streets. Although exact dimensions may vary slightly depending on market and trim, the Escort IV Cabrio measures approximately 4,140 mm (163 inches) in length, 1,640 mm (65 inches) in width, and around 1,360 mm (53.5 inches) in height with the roof up. These modest dimensions contribute to its nimble handling and ease of parking.
The relatively lightweight structure of the cabriolet, compared to larger convertibles of the time, made it a popular choice among drivers seeking a balance of style and performance without sacrificing everyday usability. Typically, the Ford Escort IV Cabrio weighs close to 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs), which supports efficient fuel consumption and responsive driving dynamics.
Under the bonnet, the Escort IV Cabrio featured a range of engine options prevalent in the Escort lineup, often including 1.3L to 1.6L inline-four petrol engines, delivering moderate power outputs that matched the vehicle's lightweight construction and compact size.
Inside, the cabriolet maintained the functional and straightforward design language of the Escort IV, offering seating for four with a focus on driver comfort and usability. The convertible roof mechanism was manual, emphasizing simplicity and reliability.
Overall, the Ford Escort IV Cabrio (1986-1991) is a charming example of 1980s European compact convertibles, blending practical dimensions, lightweight design, and the joy of open-air driving. It remains a sought-after model for collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate classic convertible styling combined with classic Ford Escort reliability.
Discover the standout features that make the 1986 Ford Escort IV Cabrio a leader in its class
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The Ford Escort IV Cabrio, produced from 1986 to 1991, has an overall length of approximately 4,100 millimeters (161.4 inches), a width of about 1,640 millimeters (64.6 inches), and a height around 1,350 millimeters (53.1 inches). These dimensions give the car a compact footprint typical for cabriolets of its era, ensuring easy maneuvering in urban settings while providing a low, sporty profile that enhances its convertible appeal.
The curb weight of the Ford Escort IV Cabrio is roughly 1,000 to 1,100 kilograms (2,205 to 2,425 pounds), depending on the exact trim and equipment levels. This relatively light weight contributes positively to the car’s nimble handling and responsive driving dynamics. The lighter body is advantageous for a cabriolet, improving acceleration and fuel efficiency while also ensuring that the car remains agile and enjoyable to drive in various road conditions.
Inside, the Ford Escort IV Cabrio offers a comfortable seating arrangement for up to four passengers, though rear seat space is somewhat limited, which is common for two-door convertibles. The front cabin space is adequate with enough headroom and legroom for average-sized adults, benefiting from the absence of a fixed roof. The design focuses on driver and front passenger comfort while still providing occasional seating for rear passengers, albeit best suited for shorter trips.
Yes, the Ford Escort IV Cabrio fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Its dimensions, especially its height of approximately 1.35 meters (53.1 inches) and width of 1.64 meters (64.6 inches), are well under typical garage door openings which generally measure around 2 to 2.5 meters (78.7 to 98.4 inches) in width and about 2 meters (78.7 inches) or more in height. The compact length of roughly 4.1 meters (161.4 inches) also ensures easy parking inside a standard garage space.
The Ford Escort IV Cabrio succeeded the Escort III Cabriolet and exhibits some changes in size. The IV generation generally grew slightly in length and width, providing a bit more interior space and road presence, while maintaining a low height typical of convertibles. This translates into improved passenger comfort and a more modern design language. Despite the increase, the IV Cabrio remains compact, preserving the nimble city-friendly nature of its predecessor.
Compared to contemporaries such as the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet or the Opel Kadett Cabrio of the late 1980s, the Ford Escort IV Cabrio holds its own as a compact and agile convertible. Its length of about 4.1 meters (161.4 inches) and width near 1.64 meters (64.6 inches) put it in the same category, though Ford’s model generally offered a slightly sportier stance. Cabin space and trunk capacity might be marginally less or more depending on the model but overall, the Escort IV Cabrio competes well dimensionally among small European convertibles at the time.
Cargo space in the Ford Escort IV Cabrio varies with the convertible roof position. With the roof up, the trunk offers a moderate capacity suitable for daily luggage or shopping bags, roughly around 220 liters (7.8 cubic feet). When the soft top is lowered and stored, available trunk volume reduces noticeably due to the space taken up by the folded roof. This trade-off is typical of cabriolets and should be considered when planning trips requiring more luggage.
The Ford Escort IV Cabrio features a ground clearance of approximately 140 millimeters (5.5 inches). This height balances sporty handling with everyday usability, providing enough clearance for urban roads, speed bumps, and moderate inclines without compromising comfort. However, the relatively low clearance emphasizes the vehicle's road-focused design, and drivers should be cautious on very rough or uneven surfaces.
The Ford Escort IV Cabrio was typically equipped with a range of inline-four engines, including 1.3-liter, 1.6-liter, and 1.8-liter petrol units. These engines were compact and relatively lightweight, which helped keep the overall vehicle weight down. The lighter engine options complemented the cabriolet’s intended use as a sporty yet fuel-efficient car, ensuring agile performance without significantly increasing curb weight or altering handling characteristics.
The low height of approximately 1,350 millimeters (53.1 inches) combined with a modest width of 1,640 millimeters (64.6 inches) gives the Ford Escort IV Cabrio a sleek and aerodynamic profile. This helps reduce wind resistance, contributing to slightly better fuel efficiency and higher stability at speed. The lower center of gravity enhances cornering performance, making the driving experience sportier and more engaging compared to taller vehicles, while the moderate width strikes a balance between road presence and ease of maneuvering in tight spaces.
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