2008 Kia Rio vs. 1982 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Kia Rio is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Rio (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (91 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 30 kg more than 2008 Kia Rio.
Because 1982 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 1982 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Kia Rio, 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, 1982 Mercury Cougar (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Rio. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1982 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Rio | 1982 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Rio | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2690 mm |
