1989 Chrysler TC vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1989 Chrysler TC is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chrysler TC (176 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chrysler TC should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chrysler TC weights approximately 64 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Chrysler TC, 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, 1989 Chrysler TC (271 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1989 Chrysler TC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chrysler TC | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercury |
| Model | TC | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1474 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2690 mm |
