What engine did the Ford Escort Mexico have?
The Escort sold in Mexico did not rely on a single engine; it used several powerplants over its production life. The most common options were the 1.6-liter CVH, the 1.8-liter CVH, and the later 2.0-liter Zetec, with engine choice varying by year and trim.
Across generations and market updates, Ford Mexico offered different engines to suit price, emissions, and performance goals for local buyers. The following overview summarizes the typical engine families seen in the Mexican Escort lineup and how they mapped to approximate model years.
Common engine families used in Mexico-market Escorts
Before listing the engine families, note that availability varied by model year and trim. The list below highlights the engines most frequently encountered in the Mexican market.
- 1.6-liter CVH family (commonly found in earlier models; typically SOHC in many Mexican examples).
- 1.8-liter CVH family (a widely used mid-generation powerplant across several trims).
- 2.0-liter Zetec (a later, higher-output option used in later Mexico-market Escorts).
The progression from CVH-based engines to the Zetec reflects Ford’s update cycle for the Escort in Mexico, aligning with broader regional shifts toward DOHC powerplants and improved efficiency. To confirm the exact engine in a specific car, check the engine code stamped on the block or consult the vehicle’s data plate and documentation.
How to identify the engine in your specific Ford Escort Mexico
If you want to confirm the precise engine for a particular Escort, use these steps to verify the installation in the vehicle you’re examining.
- Look for the engine code stamped on the engine block near the oil filter or on a metal data plate in the engine bay—common codes include CVH for CVH-family engines or ZETEC for the 2.0 Zetec.
- Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) and cross-reference it with Ford’s documentation for that model year to verify the engine specification.
- Examine the cylinder head design: CVH engines are typically SOHC with a simpler header layout, while Zetec engines use a DOHC configuration with dual overhead camshafts.
With the engine code and visual cues, you can confirm the exact engine family and align it with the model year range of the Escort sold in Mexico.
Summary
The Ford Escort in Mexico did not have one universal engine. Across its Mexican market lifespan, it was equipped with a mix of engines from the CVH family (1.6L and 1.8L) and the later 2.0L Zetec, with the exact choice dependent on year, trim, and updates. To determine an individual car’s engine, check the engine code and VIN, and consult the appropriate Ford documentation for that year.
What engine did the Ford Escort have?
Powertrain details
| Engine configuration | Engine family | Output |
|---|---|---|
| 97 cu in (1.6 L) I4 | Ford CVH engine | 65–70 hp (48–52 kW) |
| 80 hp (60 kW) | ||
| 88 hp (66 kW) | ||
| 97 cu in (1.6 L) turbocharged I4 | Ford CVH engine | 120 hp (89 kW) |
What is the history of the Ford Escort Mexico?
Perhaps the Escort's greatest victory was in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally, driven by Finland's Hannu Mikkola and Swedish co-driver Gunnar Palm. This gave rise to the Escort Mexico (1598 cc crossflow-engined) special-edition road versions in honour of the rally car.
How fast is the Ford Escort Mexico?
Ford Escort Mexico/RS1600/RS2000 (1970 – 1975) At A Glance
The engine was developed from a Formula 2 racing unit and, even in detuned state, for the road, gave the Escort electrifying performance, and a near-120mph maximum speed.
What engine was used in the Ford Escort Mexico?
Built to celebrate Fords victory in the 1970 London to Mexico World Cup Rally, the car featured a 1598cc “Crossflow” engine and the body was built with additional strengthening panels in high stress areas making the car more suitable for competition.
