2006 Mazda 6 vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2006 Mazda 6 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 Mazda 6 (119 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda 6 weights approximately 100 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, 2006 Mazda 6, 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, 2006 Mazda 6 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda 6 | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 6 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2690 mm |
