1962 Ford Popular vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1981 Mercury Cougar is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Ford Popular. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Ford Popular 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 83 more horse power than 1962 Ford Popular. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1962 Ford Popular. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 626 kg more than 1962 Ford Popular. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Ford Popular | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Popular | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 730 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2690 mm |
