1986 Mercury Cougar
Fuel Economy Overview
The 1986 Mercury Cougar achieves an EPA-estimated 18 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 17 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 3.8L 6-cylinder engine paired with a automatic 3-spd, this compact cars features Rear-Wheel Drive drive.
In terms of environmental impact, the 1986 Cougar produces approximately 494 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Cougar has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.
The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,300, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $5,750 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.
Energy DNA
Green Scorecard
Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy
Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.
Aerodynamic Speed Penalty
EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Recall Intelligence
SPRING LOCK FUEL LINE COUPLING MAY NOT BE PROPERLY ENGAGED.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: COUPLING COULD DISENGAGE DUE TO FUEL PRESSURE,VIBRATION, AND ENGINE MOVEMENTS; THIS WOULD CAUSE LOSS OF FUEL WHICH, INPRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CREATES A FIRE RISK.
Remedy: INSTALL RETAINER CLIPS OVER THE COUPLINGS TO PREVENT COUPLING SEPARATION AND FUEL LEAKAGE.
HEADLAMP COVERS WERE INSTALLED ON VEHICLES IN ERROR. CAUSING THE CARS NOT TO COMPLY WITH FMVSS 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT. CONSEQUENCE OF DEFECT: THE HEADLAMP COVERS MAY HINDER THE SAFE OPERATION OF THE CAR IN DARKNESS AND OTHER CONDITIONS OF REDUCED VISIBILITY.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence:
Remedy: REMOVE HEADLAMP COVERS.
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Looking for comprehensive historical data?
NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all Mercury Cougar configurations.
Similar 1986 Compact Cars Alternatives
1986 BMW 5 Series
2.7L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
1986 Ford Thunderbird
2.3L 4-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
1986 Ford Thunderbird
3.8L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
1986 Mercedes-Benz 300E
3L 6-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
1986 Mercury Cougar
2.3L 4-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
1986 Merkur XR4Ti
2.3L 4-cyl Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel Cost Analysis
Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.
Efficiency Breakdown
Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint
(Based on 200,000 miles driven)