1972 Fiat 127 vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1981 Mercury Cougar is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercury Cougar (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 127. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 668 kg more than 1972 Fiat 127. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 127, 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 127. (64 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 127 | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 127 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 688 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2690 mm |
