1978 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Kia Rio
To start off, 2011 Kia Rio is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercury Cougar (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2011 Kia Rio. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 727 kg more than 2011 Kia Rio. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Kia Rio, 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, 1978 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Kia Rio. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1978 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mercury Cougar | 2011 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Mercury | Kia |
| Model | Cougar | Rio |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4941 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 1128 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4016 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2499 mm |
