1986 Ford Escort vs. 1981 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Mustang weights approximately 315 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 1981 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 1981 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (97 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
1986 Ford Escort | 1981 Ford Mustang | |
Make | Ford | Ford |
Model | Escort | Mustang |
Year Released | 1986 | 1981 |
Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2294 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 53 HP | 87 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 97 Nm | 161 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1185 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2560 mm |