1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2007 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2007 Nissan Xterra 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 225 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 2007 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, 2007 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, 2007 Nissan Xterra (382 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
