1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 Suzuki Reno
To start off, 2006 Suzuki Reno is newer by 26 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 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Suzuki Reno (126 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Suzuki Reno should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 250 kg more than 2006 Suzuki Reno.
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, 2006 Suzuki Reno, 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, 2006 Suzuki Reno (178 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Suzuki Reno will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Suzuki Reno | |
| Make | Mercury | Suzuki |
| Model | Cougar | Reno |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2610 mm |
