2006 Ford Ranger vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger 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, 2006 Ford Ranger (143 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (90 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Because 2006 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, 2006 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, 2006 Ford Ranger (209 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Ranger | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 209 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.4 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1770 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2690 mm |
