1986 Ford Escort vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger
To start off, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort would be higher. At 2,835 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger weights approximately 940 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 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1986 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger | |
| Make | Ford | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Escort | Challenger |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 2835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2730 mm |
