How much horsepower does a 1988 Ford Escort have?
In the United States, the 1988 Ford Escort typically produced about 88 horsepower from its 1.9-liter four-cylinder engine. Across markets, horsepower varied by engine option and trim. This article breaks down the common figures you’re likely to encounter for that model year.
Power output in the U.S. market
To clarify the baseline for the most common version sold in the United States, the following engine detail applies.
- 1.9-liter inline-4 CVH engine: approximately 88 horsepower (SAE net) and about 111 lb-ft of torque.
This 88-horsepower figure represents the typical U.S.-spec Escort for the 1988 model year and serves as the standard reference for its performance output.
European and other markets: engine options and horsepower
Outside the United States, Ford offered a variety of engines for the Escort in 1988. The horsepower ranged more widely depending on the market and engine choice.
- 1.4-liter inline-4: roughly 60–70 horsepower
- 1.6-liter inline-4: roughly 75–90 horsepower
- 1.8-liter inline-4: roughly 90–105 horsepower
In general, non-U.S. Escorts covered a broader spectrum—from basic economy power to higher-performance variants—reflecting regional tuning and emissions requirements.
Notes for collectors and buyers
Horsepower figures can vary depending on whether a rating is gross or net, and on the exact engine code and equipment (fuel injection, carburetion, emissions controls). For precise numbers on a specific car, check the original window sticker, build sheet, or Ford’s period documentation tied to the VIN.
Summary
The 1988 Ford Escort’s horsepower depended on market and engine. In the U.S., the baseline was about 88 hp from the 1.9-liter engine. European and other markets offered engines ranging roughly from 60 to 105 hp, depending on the displacement and configuration. For exact figures on a particular vehicle, refer to the VIN and original documentation.
