1986 Ford Escort IV (GAF,AWF,ABFT) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Ford Escort IV features a wheelbase of approximately 2,506 mm (98.6 inches). This wheelbase length is typical for subcompact hatchbacks of its time and plays a crucial role in balancing interior cabin space with the vehicle's overall size. A moderate wheelbase like this helps optimize passenger legroom and contributes to ride comfort by providing stability without making the car overly large. The compact wheelbase also improves maneuverability in city environments, making it easier to navigate tight corners and narrow streets while still offering adequate cabin space for up to five passengers.

The weight of the Ford Escort IV hatchback typically ranges between 900 kg and 1,050 kg (1,984 to 2,315 lbs), depending on the trim level and optional equipment. This relatively light weight contributes positively to its fuel efficiency, making it economical to run, especially with the smaller engine options available during its production years. Additionally, a lighter vehicle weight improves handling characteristics by allowing for more responsive steering and better agility on the road. The Escort IV’s manageable weight combined with its compact dimensions made it a nimble, practical car favored by many for everyday commuting.

The cargo capacity of the Ford Escort IV hatchback ranges around 280 liters (9.9 cubic feet) with rear seats upright. The hatchback design allows for the rear seats to be folded down, significantly increasing the available cargo space. This versatility is a valuable feature for drivers needing to carry larger loads occasionally, transforming the compact city car into a more functional vehicle for small furniture, sports gear, or luggage. The interior layout was thoughtfully designed to maximize utility without sacrificing passenger comfort, making it practical for everyday use and weekend errands alike.

Yes, the Ford Escort IV hatchback can comfortably fit into a standard garage. Typical single-car garages with a width of about 2,400 mm (7.9 feet) and a length of around 4,800 mm (15.7 feet) provide sufficient space to accommodate the Escort IV, which measures approximately 4,093 mm (161.1 inches) in length and 1,635 mm (64.4 inches) in width. Its compact dimensions not only facilitate easy parking inside a garage but also allow for sufficient clearance around the vehicle, making it convenient for everyday use without the stress of tight parking spots.

Compared to the Ford Escort III, the Escort IV grew slightly in size to offer more interior space and improved comfort. While the Escort III measured roughly 3,987 mm (157 inches) in length, the Escort IV extended to approximately 4,093 mm (161.1 inches), representing a modest increase to enhance passenger and cargo room. The width and height also saw minor increases, making the newer generation more spacious overall. These changes reflected industry trends in the mid-1980s, focusing on more practical and comfortable compact cars without increasing the footprint too much. The updated styling and increased dimensions helped the Escort IV stay competitive in its market segment.

When compared to contemporaries such as the Volkswagen Golf Mk2 and Opel Kadett E, the Ford Escort IV hatchback fits neatly within the standard compact hatchback segment of the mid to late 1980s. Its length of about 4,093 mm (161.1 inches) is comparable to the Golf Mk2 (~4,130 mm or 162.6 inches) and slightly smaller than the larger Opel Kadett (~4,210 mm or 165.7 inches). Width and height are also similar, with the Escort IV featuring a competitive footprint that balances interior space with urban friendliness. This sizing allowed Ford to maintain strong market appeal by offering a car that was neither too large for city streets nor too small to be impractical.

The Ford Escort IV was designed to provide comfortable headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, although exact official measurements vary by trim and market. Typically, front headroom is around 1,000 to 1,020 mm (39.4 to 40.1 inches), with rear headroom slightly less due to the sloping hatchback roofline. Front legroom is generally spacious enough for average-sized adults, approximately 1,070 mm (42.1 inches), while rear legroom is a bit more limited, around 900 mm (35.4 inches), consistent with compact hatchback norms. This balance favors adult comfort in the front seats with adequate space for rear passengers on shorter journeys.

The Ford Escort IV hatchback featured a fuel tank capacity of around 42 liters (11.1 US gallons). This tank size offered a practical balance between weight and driving range. Coupled with the fuel-efficient engines available, many drivers could expect an average range of approximately 500 to 700 kilometers (310 to 435 miles) on a single tank under normal driving conditions. This was quite competitive for subcompact cars of its time, making the Escort IV an economical choice for daily commuting as well as longer trips without frequent refueling stops.

The Ford Escort IV was offered with a variety of petrol engines ranging in displacement from 1.1 to 1.8 liters, catering to different market needs and emissions regulations. Engine outputs generally varied from around 45 to 105 horsepower, depending on the model and country. Transmission options included a 4-speed or 5-speed manual gearbox, while some markets also offered a 3-speed automatic transmission. This choice gave buyers a balance between fuel efficiency, performance, and driving comfort. The combination of these engines and transmissions made the Escort IV versatile, suitable for both economical city driving and more spirited motoring.