2005 Ford Focus vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 Ford Focus is newer by 25 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, 2005 Ford Focus (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 102 kg more than 2005 Ford Focus.
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, 2005 Ford Focus, 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, 2005 Ford Focus (178 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Focus | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Focus | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1213 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2690 mm |
