2002 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1982 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 20 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, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (91 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 127 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier.
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, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier (176 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1982 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Cavalier | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 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 | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2690 mm |
