1980 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Scion tC
To start off, 2011 Scion tC 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Scion tC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Scion tC (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Scion tC should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Scion tC weights approximately 73 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, 2011 Scion tC, 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, 2011 Scion tC (234 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2011 Scion tC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercury Cougar | 2011 Scion tC | |
| Make | Mercury | Scion |
| Model | Cougar | tC |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1388 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2700 mm |
