1986 Ford Escort vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 6,589 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1230 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 1973 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 1973 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1973 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 | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Escort | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 6589 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 2055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2910 mm |
