1998 Daewoo Matiz vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1998 Daewoo Matiz is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercury Cougar (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1998 Daewoo Matiz. (49 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1998 Daewoo Matiz. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 503 kg more than 1998 Daewoo Matiz. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Daewoo Matiz, 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Daewoo Matiz. (69 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Daewoo Matiz.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Daewoo Matiz | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Daewoo | Mercury |
| Model | Matiz | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 796 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 853 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2690 mm |
