2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 261 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (171 Nm). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Mazda | Mercury |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Cougar |
Year Released | 2001 | 1980 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1835 cc | 4184 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 155 HP | 116 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Torque | 171 Nm | 264 Nm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 1410 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2690 mm |