1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2002 Vauxhall Meriva
To start off, 2002 Vauxhall Meriva 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 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Vauxhall Meriva (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Vauxhall Meriva should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 30 kg more than 2002 Vauxhall Meriva.
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 Vauxhall Meriva, 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 (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Vauxhall Meriva. (153 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Vauxhall Meriva.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2002 Vauxhall Meriva | |
| Make | Mercury | Vauxhall |
| Model | Cougar | Meriva |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2640 mm |
