2001 Mazda 626 vs. 1982 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mazda 626 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda 626 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (91 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda 626 should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 75 kg more than 2001 Mazda 626.
Because 1982 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 1982 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mazda 626, 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, 1982 Mercury Cougar (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda 626. (149 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1982 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda 626 | 1982 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 626 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2690 mm |
