1979 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 33 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (134 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 925 kg more than 2012 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Fiat 500, 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 @ 1600 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
Make | Mercury | Fiat |
Model | Cougar | 500 |
Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1368 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 134 HP | 133 HP |
Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 336 Nm | 206 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 930 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 3550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1630 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1490 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2310 mm |