1956 Austin A 35 vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1981 Mercury Cougar is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 35. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 35 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 80 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 35. (34 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 35. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 607 kg more than 1956 Austin A 35. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 35. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 35.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 35 | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Austin | Mercury |
| Model | A 35 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 946 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 749 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2690 mm |
