1986 Ford Escort vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercury Cougar (90 HP) has 12 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (78 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 390 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 1980 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 1980 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (127 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 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 | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Ford | Mercury |
Model | Escort | Cougar |
Year Released | 1986 | 1980 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2301 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 78 HP | 90 HP |
Torque | 127 Nm | 164 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 925 kg | 1315 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2690 mm |