2009 Kia Rio vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2009 Kia Rio is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercury Cougar (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2009 Kia Rio. (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Rio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Rio weights approximately 152 kg more than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Because 1981 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 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Kia Rio. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Rio | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Rio | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1343 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1508 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2690 mm |
