1986 Ford Escort vs. 1976 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1120 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 1976 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 1976 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, 1976 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1976 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 | 1976 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Escort | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1751 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 2030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2910 mm |
