1997 Citroen XM vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1997 Citroen XM is newer by 17 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 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Citroen XM (115 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Citroen XM should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 50 kg more than 1997 Citroen XM.
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, 1997 Citroen XM, 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen XM. (175 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen XM.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Citroen XM | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercury |
| Model | XM | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2690 mm |
