1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2008 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2008 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 28 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, 2008 Toyota Tacoma (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2008 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Cougar | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4184 cc | 3956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3240 mm |
