I'll agree that wider isn't always better, when I drove my MK2 like a loon almost daily I had used different combo tyres and wheels, as well as engine setups over the 10yrs of its daily thrashing. Starting with 7x13 Hotwires with 205x60 it was ok but not real usable. Went to 15x7 with 195x50 but was to heavy and settled with 13x6.5 wheels with 185 65 was the best and still have them

oo 185/65R13 is a little bit too small in diameter. Also that will be a modern carcass that will not suit the geometry of an Escort/light rearr wheel drive car. you will be better off with a tyre that isnt designed to give you ultimate grip, llike that, becasue that isnt what your car is capable of
 
Any of these will make better road tyres for your car.
 
155R13 Pirelli Cinturato CA67
165R13 Pirelli Cinturato CN36
175/70R13 Pirelli Cinturato CN36
185/70R13 Pirelli Cinturato CN36
 
They handle far better on these proper peiod tyres compared to modern tyre carcasses, yes tarmac racing cars did fit 205/60R13 tyres but they were very modified to try to keep the foot print on the road. all sorts of things that make for not a very nice road car. A 185/65R13 modern tyre will put a lot more foot print on the floor than the proper period 185/7VR13 Cinturato CN36, but then as your car leans in cornering it will lift a large portion of that foot print off the road, however the CN36 will start that process earlier, however the effect will never be so drastic.
 
https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/classic-car-tyres/ford/escort.html
 

 

 
fitting these proper tyres is to improve the handling.
 
If it is just for a concourse car then an ny old tyre will do.
 
Dougal
Longstone Tyres