When Ford chose to resurrect its Puma coupé nameplate from the late 90s there was great media excitement, tempered in many quarters when it was discovered that the revered Puma name was to be attached to (yet another) SUV, not a coupé. How good could it possibly be that high up in the air? With a firmly subjective hat on, this writer – who has driven both late-90s coupé and 2020 crossover – compares and contrasts…
Design: 90s Ford Puma Coupe vs. 20s Puma Crosssover
It’s easy to get misty-eyed about any classic or near-classic car, so often wrapped up in nostalgic memories. But the original Ford Puma coupé really was a big deal when launched back in 1997. Based on the regular Fiesta mk4, the Puma’s completely different bodywork was created by Ian Callum, then freelancing for Ford (before he became Jaguar’s design supremo for 20 years). Its shapely curves stood out on UK roads like little else and two decades later it still looks fresh. From a design perspective, the new 2020 Puma can’t compare, too similar to current family stablemates Fiesta and Focus and suffering from its higher stance and over-complicated creases and curves. 1-0 Puma mk1…
Performance: 90s Ford Puma Coupe vs. 20s Puma Crosssover
Affordable, agile and quick enough, courtesy of a mid-range 123bhp 1.7-litre petrol engine that delivered 0-62mph in 9.2 seconds, the Puma mk1 felt even faster to drive, due to its light weight, tipping the scales at only 1035kg. The new 2020 Puma ST offers 197bhp and 0-62mph in just 6.7 seconds from its 1.5-litre unit but has a kerb weight of 1348kg (partly due to greater safety kit). It’s worth noting that the limited edition 1999 Puma Racing version (pictured) with its 153bhp engine reaching 0-62mph in 7.9 seconds gets closer, but still, on these figures, the Puma mk2 wins this round. 1-1 it is…
Driving: 90s Ford Puma Coupe vs. 20s Puma Crosssover
The 1998 Ford Puma was a hoot to drive, with so much feedback from its small steering wheel, grip in the tyres wrapped around standard 15-inch wheels and a reassuring mechanical feel every time you changed gear using its real-metal spherical gear knob. The Puma mk2 drives very well too, probably better – especially for a crossover – but it doesn’t feel that different and lacks the abilities of lower-slung but still small, modern hot hatches. 2-1 Puma mk2 just…
Cabin: 90s Ford Puma Coupe vs. 20s Puma Crosssover
The interior of the Puma mk1 was pretty modern for 1997. Ford’s ‘New Edge’ design strategy had already delivered the Ka and the Puma's curvy cabin followed suit. Smart phone connectivity and colour satnav screens were not production car variables back then. We revelled in the coldness of the metal gear knob and being able to adjust the stereo’s bass and treble easily. But the mk2’s cabin is of a higher quality, 3-1.
Conclusion: 90s Ford Puma Coupe vs. 20s Puma Crosssover
The Puma mk2 is a better car than the Puma mk1 by all fact-based yardsticks. After more than 20 years of technological progress it ought to be. But thefeel-good factor driving the Puma mk1 at the time it launched was sky-high and its design still stands out today. I drove one for three months back then and regularly received and gave waves to other Puma drivers. In its short life between 1997-2002 133,000 were registered but in its early days it was a pretty exclusive club. And crucially, one that didn’t involve having tons of money as much as good design taste and an appreciation of great driving dynamics. As accomplished as the Puma mk2 is, it lacks the emotional appeal of the mk1. The 90s Puma is a modern classic in the making (if it isn’t already) and my winner.
Keyword: 1990s vs. 2020s Puma: Which hot Ford is best?