1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2005 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 25 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 3,950 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Pathfinder (270 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 750 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 2005 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2005 Nissan Pathfinder 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, 2005 Nissan Pathfinder (395 Nm) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (218 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 3950 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 395 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 2080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2860 mm |
