1980 Ford Escort vs. 2000 Ford Cougar
To start off, 2000 Ford Cougar is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Ford Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Ford Cougar (129 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Ford Cougar should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Cougar weights approximately 420 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Ford Escort is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Ford Cougar, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2000 Ford Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 2000 Ford Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
