2008 Fiat Grande Punto vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Fiat Grande Punto is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Fiat Grande Punto (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Fiat Grande Punto should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 376 kg more than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Fiat Grande Punto, 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, 2008 Fiat Grande Punto (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Fiat Grande Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat Grande Punto | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Grande Punto | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2690 mm |
