2001 GMC Sonoma vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 GMC Sonoma 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 GMC Sonoma (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 GMC Sonoma should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 GMC Sonoma weights approximately 140 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 2001 GMC Sonoma is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 GMC Sonoma will offer significantly more control. 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 GMC Sonoma. (190 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 GMC Sonoma.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 GMC Sonoma | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | GMC | Mercury |
| Model | Sonoma | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2194 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5210 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2690 mm |
