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 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Ranger (149 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 1446 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 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Ranger. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Ranger.
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 | 2983 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2856 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2690 mm |
