1982 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 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 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (91 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 15 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
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 Mazda 3, 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 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
1982 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
Make | Mercury | Mazda |
Model | Cougar | 3 |
Year Released | 1982 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
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 | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 164 Nm | 183 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4590 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1755 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1471 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2639 mm |