1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 29 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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 515 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.
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, 2009 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2009 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Cougar | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4184 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2890 mm |
