2003 Holden Barina vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Holden Barina 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 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercury Cougar (97 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2003 Holden Barina. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Holden Barina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 270 kg more than 2003 Holden Barina. 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 Holden Barina, 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 (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Holden Barina. (120 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Holden Barina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Holden Barina | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Barina | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1387 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2690 mm |
