2009 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is newer by 29 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 5,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado (360 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 263 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (97 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 69 kg more than 2009 Chevrolet Silverado.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 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, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 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, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado (515 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (218 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Silverado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Silverado | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
| Model | Silverado | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5998 cc | 3271 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 515 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1261 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 6580 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1960 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 4250 mm | 2690 mm |
