1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 1994 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 1994 Suzuki Vitara is newer by 14 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, 1994 Suzuki Vitara (94 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Suzuki Vitara should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 270 kg more than 1994 Suzuki Vitara.
Because 1994 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Suzuki Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Suzuki Vitara. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 1994 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Mercury | Suzuki |
| Model | Cougar | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2210 mm |
