1981 Ford Mustang vs. 1968 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1981 Ford Mustang is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mercury Cougar (194 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 245 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang. 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 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mercury Cougar. (297 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Mustang | 1968 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Ford | Mercury |
Model | Mustang | Cougar |
Year Released | 1981 | 1968 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5769 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 173 HP | 194 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 332 Nm | 297 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1600 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4990 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1890 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2830 mm |