1986 Ford Mustang vs. 1999 Ford Cougar
To start off, 1999 Ford Cougar is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Ford Cougar (130 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1986 Ford Mustang. (88 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Ford Cougar should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Ford Cougar weights approximately 145 kg more than 1986 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Ford Cougar, 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, 1999 Ford Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1999 Ford Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Mustang | 1999 Ford Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 87.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |
