2004 Ford Ranger vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Ford Ranger is newer by 24 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, 2004 Ford Ranger (207 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 202 kg more than 2004 Ford Ranger.
Because 2004 Ford Ranger is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Ranger will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Ford Ranger (323 Nm) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (264 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ranger | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Ranger | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1208 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2690 mm |
