1980 Holden Gemini vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mercury Cougar is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Holden Gemini. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Holden Gemini would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1980 Holden Gemini. (67 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1980 Holden Gemini. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 355 kg more than 1980 Holden Gemini. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Holden Gemini 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 1980 Holden Gemini. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar, 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, 2002 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Holden Gemini. (110 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Holden Gemini.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Holden Gemini | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Gemini | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
