1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2004 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2004 Nissan Xterra 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 3,278 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Nissan Xterra (180 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 434 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 2004 Nissan Xterra 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, 2004 Nissan Xterra 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, 2004 Nissan Xterra (274 Nm) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (218 Nm). This means 2004 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2004 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 3278 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 274 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1764 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2660 mm |
