1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 1990 Plymouth Laser
To start off, 1990 Plymouth Laser is newer by 10 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 6 more horse power than 1990 Plymouth Laser. (91 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1990 Plymouth Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 180 kg more than 1990 Plymouth Laser. 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, 1990 Plymouth Laser, 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 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Plymouth Laser. (142 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Plymouth Laser.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 1990 Plymouth Laser | |
| Make | Mercury | Plymouth |
| Model | Cougar | Laser |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 1755 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2480 mm |
