2008 Kia Cerato vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Kia Cerato 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. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 32 kg more than 2008 Kia Cerato.
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 Kia Cerato, 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Cerato. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Cerato.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Cerato | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Cerato | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1324 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2690 mm |
