2003 Fiat Punto vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Fiat Punto 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 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercury Cougar (116 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Punto. (93 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 444 kg more than 2003 Fiat Punto. 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 Punto, 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 (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Punto. (128 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Punto | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Punto | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 93 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2690 mm |
