2004 Lexus IS vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2004 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 10 kg more than 2004 Lexus IS.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 69 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lexus IS | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercury |
| Model | IS | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2690 mm |
