How much horsepower does a 1998 Ford Escort have?
The typical 1998 Ford Escort sold in the United States produced about 110 horsepower from its standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine; a higher-output Zetec variant was available on select trims, delivering roughly 127–130 horsepower. Power figures vary by market, trim, and configuration, so exact horsepower should be checked from the vehicle’s engine code or VIN.
Engine options and horsepower
The 1998 Escort lineup offered at least two engine configurations in North America. The standard engine and an optional higher-output version are described below.
- Standard 2.0-liter inline-four (OHV) engine: approximately 110 horsepower.
- Optional 2.0-liter DOHC Zetec engine: approximately 127–130 horsepower.
These figures reflect typical ratings for U.S.-market Escorts of that year; actual horsepower can vary by trim, transmission, exhaust, and calibration.
Notes for buyers and owners
To verify the precise horsepower of a specific 1998 Escort, locate the engine code on the engine block or check the vehicle identification number (VIN) and its original window sticker. European and other-market versions may have different power outputs depending on the engine family and emissions regulations. The Escort ZX2 (a two-door coupe variant that used Ford's Zetec-derived 2.0-liter engine) is closely related but not identical to the four-door Escort and can have different horsepower figures.
Context and market variations
The Escort’s horsepower figures varied by region. In Europe and other markets, Ford offered a broader range of engines with different displacements and outputs, including turbocharged or multi-valve variants in some years, which could produce more power. Always confirm the exact engine specification for a given car to avoid relying on a general range.
Summary
For most 1998 Ford Escorts sold in the U.S., the standard 2.0-liter engine produced about 110 hp, with a Zetec-equipped option delivering around 127–130 hp. Real-world numbers depend on market, trim, and mechanical setup; check the VIN/engine code to confirm. The Escort line also included related models like the ZX2, which used similar engines but had its own horsepower ratings.
Was the 1998 Ford Escort a good car?
As a whole, consumers found the vehicle's reliability and value to be its strongest features and styling to be its weakest. 379 out of 845 of owners (45% of them) rank the 1998 Escort five out of five stars. Overall, consumers seem aligned in their opinions of the 1998 Ford Escort.
How fast can a Ford Escort go?
The top speed of a Ford Escort varies significantly depending on the model year, engine, and modifications, with factory production models generally ranging from around 100 to 112 mph, while high-performance or modified versions can exceed 200 mph. For example, a stock Mk2 Escort had a top speed of 112 mph, while a specially modified Mk1 Escort has set a 200 mph record.
This video shows the world's quickest Ford Escort Mk1 reaching a top speed of over 200 mph: 50sMk1KieranYouTube · Dec 4, 2024
Factory production models
- ~100–112 mph: The top speed for many standard production Escorts from various model years was in this range, often limited by engine size and factory settings.
- Example (Mk2 1600 Sport): A 1600 Sport model had a top speed of about 101 mph.
- Example (1994 Escort): A common top speed for a stock 1994 model was around 100-110 mph.
High-performance and modified models
- ~120 mph: The RS1600, a performance-oriented model from 1970, had a near 120 mph maximum speed when new.
- 114 mph: An RS2000 model with a 2.0-litre Pinto engine could achieve top speeds of 114 mph.
- 200 mph: Specially built drag-racing versions have reached speeds over 200 mph. One Mk1 Escort holds a record of 200 mph.
How much is a 1998 Ford Escort worth?
The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for a 1998 Ford Escort varied by trim, with the lowest starting at around $11,430$ 11 comma 430$11,430 for the LX Sedan and increasing to about $14,345$ 14 comma 345$14,345 for the SE Wagon. Other trim levels included the ZX2 Cool Coupe, which had an MSRP of approximately $11,580$ 11 comma 580$11,580, and the SE Sedan at around $12,730$ 12 comma 730$12,730.
- LX Sedan: Starts at around $11,430$ 11 comma 430$11,430
- ZX2 Cool Coupe: Approximately $11,580$ 11 comma 580$11,580
- SE Sedan: About $12,730$ 12 comma 730$12,730
- ZX2 Hot Coupe: Approximately $13,080$ 13 comma 080$13,080
- SE Wagon: Around $13,930$ 13 comma 930$13,930 to $14,345$ 14 comma 345$14,345
What engine does a 1998 Ford Escort have?
Engine
| Base engine size | 2.0 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | Inline 4 |
| Base engine type | Gas |
