1982 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Kia Forte
To start off, 2012 Kia Forte is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Forte (156 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (91 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 74 kg more than 2012 Kia Forte.
Because 1982 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 1982 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Forte, 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 Kia Forte (195 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Forte will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Kia Forte | |
| Make | Mercury | Kia |
| Model | Cougar | Forte |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4300 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 | 1241 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4481 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2649 mm |
