1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 1997 Toyota Previa
To start off, 1997 Toyota Previa is newer by 17 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, 1997 Toyota Previa (132 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Previa should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Previa weights approximately 210 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1997 Toyota Previa, 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 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Previa. (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Previa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 1997 Toyota Previa | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Cougar | Previa |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4184 cc | 2438 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2530 mm |
