1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2007 Nissan Primera
To start off, 2007 Nissan Primera is newer by 27 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, 2007 Nissan Primera (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan Primera should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Nissan Primera weights approximately 184 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, 2007 Nissan Primera, 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, 2007 Nissan Primera (314 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2007 Nissan Primera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2007 Nissan Primera | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Primera |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 314 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1499 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2690 mm |
