1986 Ford Escort vs. 1971 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 740 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 1971 Mercury Cougar 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 1971 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1971 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1971 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Escort | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2860 mm |
