1980 Chrysler Avenger vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1980 Chrysler Avenger is newer by 1 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 75 more horse power than 1980 Chrysler Avenger. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1980 Chrysler Avenger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 975 kg more than 1980 Chrysler Avenger. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 243 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Chrysler Avenger. (93 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Chrysler Avenger.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Chrysler Avenger | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | Avenger | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2910 mm |
