1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2009 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2009 Saab 03-Sep 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 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Saab 03-Sep (210 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 259 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, 2009 Saab 03-Sep, 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, 2009 Saab 03-Sep (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2009 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Mercury | Saab |
| Model | Cougar | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1574 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2680 mm |
