2002 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz A 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 Mercedes-Benz A (138 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 150 kg more than 2002 Mercedes-Benz A.
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 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 Mercedes-Benz A (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz A | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | A | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2084 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2690 mm |
