1981 Holden Commodore vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1981 Holden Commodore is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 384 kg more than 1981 Holden Commodore. 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (231 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Holden Commodore | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Holden | Mercury |
| Model | Commodore | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3298 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2860 mm |
