1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 1988 Pontiac 6000
To start off, 1988 Pontiac 6000 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 2,474 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac 6000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercury Cougar (90 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac 6000. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac 6000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 5 kg more than 1988 Pontiac 6000. 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 Pontiac 6000, 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, 1988 Pontiac 6000 (184 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1988 Pontiac 6000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 1988 Pontiac 6000 | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Cougar | 6000 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 2474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2670 mm |
