What's the difference?

Hi all. I'm new around here. And, I have a question that may seem silly. But, I'm looking for an answer. I've already tried Google. It's not really giving me a good answer. So, here it goes. What are the differences between a fox body pony and, say a comparable year Escort? They look very similar, to me. I know that even fox body shells are not cheap. Is it possible to get an Escort, and build a pony out of it? Please be constructive in your replies. I am genuinely wondering. I am on a VERY tight budget. And, if I can start my journey, eventually I'll get to the real thing. Lol
 
  • Sponsors (?)


The difference is just about every single part that makes up the car except for maybe some switches and the occasional bushing.

You could no more build a Mustang out of an Escort than you could build a Porche out of a Volkswagon. :p
 
They aren’t the same chassis at all. One is FWD the other is RWD. The only parts they share might be a few misc switches, a headrest, that’s about it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
If you want you can add some power to the escort,maybe make it handle better and enjoy that till you can afford a ponycar.
Now if you money is somewhat unlimited,then you can do just about anything you can dream up.
 
If you are looking for a fox body that is not a Mustang, then you need the one of the following:

- 1978-1983 Ford Fairmont/Mercury Zephyr (2dr coupe, 2dr sedan, 4dr sedan or 5dr wagon)
- 1980-1982 Ford Granads/Mercury Cougar (4dr sedan, 5dr wagon)
- 1983-1986 Ford LTD/Mercury Marquis (4dr sedan, 5dr wagon)
- 1980-1988 Ford Thunderbird/Mercury Cougar (2dr coupe)
- 1984-1992 Lincoln Mark VII
- 1982-1987 Lincoln Continental
 
  • Useful
Reactions: 1 user
If you are looking for a fox body that is not a Mustang, then you need the one of the following:

- 1978-1983 Ford Fairmont/Mercury Zephyr (2dr coupe, 2dr sedan, 4dr sedan or 5dr wagon)
- 1980-1982 Ford Granads/Mercury Cougar (4dr sedan, 5dr wagon)
- 1983-1986 Ford LTD/Mercury Marquis (4dr sedan, 5dr wagon)
- 1980-1988 Ford Thunderbird/Mercury Cougar (2dr coupe)
- 1984-1992 Lincoln Mark VII
- 1982-1987 Lincoln Continental
Granada was 1981-82, otherwise all correct and very detailed!
 
Not an official production vehicle, but there was also the 79-81 Ford Durango. Good luck finding one though

D528B6A5-4C01-4257-BAFA-317A859D5280.jpeg
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
I haven't seen an escort n 20 years. If there are any left that are still road worthy I haven't seen them. I think finding a foxbody mustang would be easier. Deals are still out there, just need patience.
 
I haven't seen an escort n 20 years. If there are any left that are still road worthy I haven't seen them. I think finding a foxbody mustang would be easier. Deals are still out there, just need patience.

I had 2 of them, Wagons. Last one was totalled out in 2007 when my brother was driving it. There is only so many times you can change a timing belt before you lose your :poo:. There were 2 different cog designs, both of them sucked. I did 5 timing belts between the 2 cars. Owning an Escort is what convinced me that the foxbody was the last muscle car. Long story.

Kurt
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users
Up until 5 or 6 years ago my cousin daily drove an 87 Escort GT. He is a licensed auto mechanic turned high school tech teacher. His contribution to Mustang history is his all original 85 GT hatch he purchased in 87, now with approx. 65k km (40k miles). It has been in storage the better part of 20 years. Still has every little scratch or door ding it every had - completely original.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 users
If I could go back to the late 90s/early 2000s when I really got into cars, if I didn’t get into foxbodies, I would have modified a Lincoln Mark 8.

The amount of coin I spent on my fox, I would have one hell of a Mark 8 by now. 6-speed, cobra brakes, terminator motor? The possibilities.


Hmm…maybe I’ll look for a clean 97/98 :)
 
I've had a few escorts. Only 2 of them dropped valve seats. Lol

I could pull the head, off and replace it, in about two hours. My last one was a 1992.

They were fun little sh@t boxes. I drive my Astri van over a 86 Escort GT. Right up the drivers door, through the mirror, and down the hood. Car still drove fine.
 
  • Wow
Reactions: 1 user
Drove my grandfathers 87 escourt gt once in a while when I first got my license and it was a fun car to putt around in. The car had something like 171k on it when he passed away and was sold. He had zero issues with it and I wish I could have that car today