2008 Fiat 500 vs. 1971 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Fiat 500 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2008 Fiat 500. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 785 kg more than 2008 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 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 1971 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Fiat 500, 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, 1971 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat 500. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat 500 | 1971 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 500 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2860 mm |
