1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2011 Fiat Panda is newer by 31 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (116 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2011 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2011 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 550 kg more than 2011 Fiat Panda. 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, 2011 Fiat Panda, 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 (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Fiat Panda. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2011 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Mercury | Fiat |
| Model | Cougar | Panda |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4184 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2310 mm |
