1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2004 Dodge Intrepid
To start off, 2004 Dodge Intrepid is newer by 24 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, 2004 Dodge Intrepid (225 HP) has 109 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Intrepid should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Dodge Intrepid weights approximately 160 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, 2004 Dodge Intrepid, 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, 2004 Dodge Intrepid (306 Nm) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (264 Nm). This means 2004 Dodge Intrepid will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2004 Dodge Intrepid | |
| Make | Mercury | Dodge |
| Model | Cougar | Intrepid |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4184 cc | 3228 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 225 HP |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2880 mm |
