2001 Ford Mondeo vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Ford Mondeo is newer by 21 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 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Mondeo (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 90 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. 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, 2001 Ford Mondeo, 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 (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Mondeo. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Mondeo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Mondeo | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Mondeo | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2690 mm |
