2008 Kia Sorento vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2008 Kia Sorento is newer by 28 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, 2008 Kia Sorento (139 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sorento weights approximately 589 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 2008 Kia Sorento is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sorento will offer significantly more control. 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 Kia Sorento (350 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2008 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sorento | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Sorento | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1999 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2690 mm |
