1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 1986 Mercury Lynx
To start off, 1986 Mercury Lynx is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercury Cougar (97 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1986 Mercury Lynx. (89 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercury Lynx. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 305 kg more than 1986 Mercury Lynx. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Mercury Lynx, 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercury Lynx. (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercury Lynx.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 1986 Mercury Lynx | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Cougar | Lynx |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2400 mm |
