1985 Opel Kadett vs. 2002 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mercury Cougar is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercury Cougar (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1985 Opel Kadett. (59 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1985 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 320 kg more than 1985 Opel Kadett. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Opel Kadett 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 1985 Opel Kadett. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mercury Cougar, 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, 2002 Mercury Cougar (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Opel Kadett. (88 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Opel Kadett | 2002 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Opel | Mercury |
| Model | Kadett | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4110 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2710 mm |
