1981 Mercury Lynx vs. 2012 Fiat Idea
To start off, 2012 Fiat Idea is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Lynx. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Lynx would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Fiat Idea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat Idea (100 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Lynx. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat Idea should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Lynx. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat Idea weights approximately 200 kg more than 1981 Mercury Lynx. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Fiat Idea (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Lynx. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat Idea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Lynx.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Lynx | 2012 Fiat Idea | |
| Make | Mercury | Fiat |
| Model | Lynx | Idea |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2520 mm |
