1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero
To start off, 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero is newer by 18 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, 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero weights approximately 510 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 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero 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, 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero 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, 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero (255 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero | |
| Make | Mercury | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Cougar | Pajero |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 2972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2430 mm |
