1986 Ford Escort vs. 2001 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2001 Ford Mustang is newer by 15 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 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Mustang (260 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Mustang weights approximately 348 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 2001 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 2001 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, 2001 Ford Mustang (410 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (138 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort. 2001 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 1986 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1986 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 2001 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 410 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 59 L |
