1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 1988 Opel Vectra
To start off, 1988 Opel Vectra is newer by 8 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 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercury Cougar (90 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1988 Opel Vectra. (56 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1988 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 195 kg more than 1988 Opel Vectra. 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, 1988 Opel Vectra, 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 (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Opel Vectra. (105 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 1988 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1699 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2520 mm |
