1982 Ford Escort vs. 1989 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1989 Ford Mustang is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Escort (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1989 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Mustang weights approximately 326 kg more than 1982 Ford Escort.
Because 1989 Ford Mustang 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 1989 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Ford Escort, 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, 1989 Ford Mustang (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Escort. (137 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Escort | 1989 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 924 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2560 mm |
