2006 Fiat Panda vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Fiat Panda is newer by 26 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (90 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2006 Fiat Panda. (70 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2006 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 380 kg more than 2006 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Fiat Panda 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, 2006 Fiat Panda 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, 2006 Fiat Panda (197 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Fiat Panda | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Panda | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Crossover | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 197 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2690 mm |
