2005 Mazda 5 vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2005 Mazda 5 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 3,271 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda 5 (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 5 weights approximately 146 kg more than 1980 Mercury Cougar. 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, 2005 Mazda 5, 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 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 5. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 5 | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 5 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2690 mm |
