2009 Citroen C3 vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Citroen C3 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 2,301 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercury Cougar (90 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2009 Citroen C3. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2009 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 52 kg more than 2009 Citroen C3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Citroen C3, 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, 2009 Citroen C3 (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Citroen C3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Citroen C3 | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Citroen | Mercury |
| Model | C3 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 2301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 164 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.7 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1263 kg | 1315 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2690 mm |
