2001 Daihatsu Copen vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Daihatsu Copen is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercury Cougar (134 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2001 Daihatsu Copen. (62 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2001 Daihatsu Copen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1055 kg more than 2001 Daihatsu Copen. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Daihatsu Copen, 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Daihatsu Copen. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Daihatsu Copen.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Daihatsu Copen | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mercury |
| Model | Copen | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 659 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2910 mm |
