1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2010 Suzuki Alto
To start off, 2010 Suzuki Alto is newer by 30 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 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercury Cougar (97 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2010 Suzuki Alto. (67 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2010 Suzuki Alto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 445 kg more than 2010 Suzuki Alto. 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, 2010 Suzuki Alto, 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Suzuki Alto. (90 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Suzuki Alto.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2010 Suzuki Alto | |
| Make | Mercury | Suzuki |
| Model | Cougar | Alto |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3271 cc | 996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 3500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2360 mm |
