1983 Ford Mustang vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Mustang (118 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Mustang weights approximately 408 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1983 Ford Mustang (278 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Mustang | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Escort |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1115 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1278 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2410 mm |
