1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 18 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 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 162 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.
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, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1998 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Corvette | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Corvette | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1572 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2690 mm |
