2002 Mazda 6 vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 is newer by 22 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 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda 6 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 6 weights approximately 110 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, 2002 Mazda 6, 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 Mazda 6 (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 6 | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 6 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2690 mm |
