1971 Chevrolet El Camino vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1981 Mercury Cougar is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet El Camino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet El Camino would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet El Camino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet El Camino (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet El Camino should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet El Camino weights approximately 115 kg more than 1981 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1971 Chevrolet El Camino (324 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet El Camino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
1971 Chevrolet El Camino | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Chevrolet | Mercury |
Model | El Camino | Cougar |
Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5013 cc | 3797 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 150 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 324 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1471 kg | 1356 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2980 mm | 2690 mm |