2004 Ford Escape vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Ford Escape is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Escape (203 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 412 kg more than 2004 Ford Escape.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Escape, 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Escape. (272 Nm). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Escape.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Escape | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Escape | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2966 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1443 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2910 mm |
