1982 Mercury Cougar vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 31 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, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (165 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (91 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 133 kg more than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mercury Cougar | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | Mercury | Mazda |
| Model | Cougar | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2330 mm |
