1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2002 Mitsubishi Dion
To start off, 2002 Mitsubishi Dion is newer by 22 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, 2002 Mitsubishi Dion (133 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mitsubishi Dion should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mitsubishi Dion weights approximately 71 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, 2002 Mitsubishi Dion, 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, 2002 Mitsubishi Dion (183 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2002 Mitsubishi Dion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2002 Mitsubishi Dion | |
| Make | Mercury | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Cougar | Dion |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
