1979 Mercury Cougar vs. 2002 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2002 Mini Cooper is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mini Cooper (163 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1979 Mercury Cougar. (134 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mini Cooper, 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mini Cooper. (210 Nm). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercury Cougar | 2002 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mercury | Mini |
| Model | Cougar | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2470 mm |
