2009 Kia Optima vs. 1980 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Kia Optima 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 4,184 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Optima (176 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1980 Mercury Cougar. (116 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercury Cougar.
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 Kia Optima, 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, 1980 Mercury Cougar (264 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Optima. (229 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Optima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Optima | 1980 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Optima | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 4184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 176 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 229 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2690 mm |
