1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 1998 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1998 Nissan Skyline 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 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Nissan Skyline (271 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 90 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, 1998 Nissan Skyline, 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, 1998 Nissan Skyline (367 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1998 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 1998 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4184 cc | 2569 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2730 mm |
