1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 1988 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 1988 Suzuki Alto 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 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercury Cougar (116 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Alto. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 780 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Alto. 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 Suzuki Alto, 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 (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 205 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Alto. (59 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 1988 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Mercury | Suzuki |
| Model | Cougar | Alto |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4184 cc | 796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 59 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2180 mm |
