1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2004 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2004 Opel Vectra 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 Opel Vectra (152 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Opel Vectra weights approximately 140 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 Opel Vectra, 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 (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Opel Vectra. (223 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Opel Vectra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2004 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4184 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2840 mm |
