1998 Ferrari 355 Spider vs. 1982 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,494 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider (375 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 284 more horse power than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (91 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider weights approximately 375 kg more than 1982 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 Ferrari 355 Spider (363 Nm) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm). This means 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ferrari 355 Spider | 1982 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mercury |
| Model | 355 Spider | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3494 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 375 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2690 mm |
