1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Seat Ibiza
To start off, 2012 Seat Ibiza is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Seat Ibiza (177 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Seat Ibiza should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 179 kg more than 2012 Seat Ibiza.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Seat Ibiza, 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, 2012 Seat Ibiza (246 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Seat Ibiza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Seat Ibiza | |
| Make | Mercury | Seat |
| Model | Cougar | Ibiza |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1177 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2470 mm |
