1958 Ford Escort vs. 1966 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1966 Mercury Cougar is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Escort would be higher. At 4,728 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercury Cougar (129 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1958 Ford Escort. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1958 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 545 kg more than 1958 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford Escort | 1966 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Escort | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 4728 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 817 kg | 1362 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2830 mm |
