1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 1957 Porsche 356
To start off, 1980 Mercury Cougar is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Porsche 356 (100 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1957 Porsche 356 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 510 kg more than 1957 Porsche 356.
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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Porsche 356. (120 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 1957 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Mercury | Porsche |
| Model | Cougar | 356 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1582 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2110 mm |
