1998 Mazda 323 vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 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 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercury Cougar (116 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1998 Mazda 323. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 295 kg more than 1998 Mazda 323. 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, 1998 Mazda 323, 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 (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda 323. (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda 323.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Mazda 323 | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Mazda | Mercury |
Model | 323 | Cougar |
Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1840 cc | 4184 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 162 Nm | 264 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1410 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2690 mm |