2003 Fiat Palio vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Fiat Palio is newer by 23 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (90 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Palio. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Palio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 410 kg more than 2003 Fiat Palio. 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, 2003 Fiat Palio, 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Palio. (83 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Palio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Palio | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Palio | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 997 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2690 mm |
