1999 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 19 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, 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 222 kg more than 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier.
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, 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Cavalier | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2392 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2690 mm |
