1981 Isuzu Gemini vs. 1979 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1981 Isuzu Gemini is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercury Cougar (134 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Isuzu Gemini. (79 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1981 Isuzu Gemini. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 915 kg more than 1981 Isuzu Gemini. 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, 1979 Mercury Cougar (336 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Isuzu Gemini. (116 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1979 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Isuzu Gemini.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Isuzu Gemini | 1979 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Isuzu | Mercury |
| Model | Gemini | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 116 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2910 mm |
