1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 1000. (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 634 kg more than 1959 Abarth 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Abarth 1000 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 1959 Abarth 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercury 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 1000. (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 1000. 2001 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth 1000 has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth 1000 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1000 | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Abarth | Mercury |
| Model | 1000 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2710 mm |
