1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1976 Renault 14
To start off, 1981 Mercury Cougar is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Renault 14. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Renault 14 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 57 more horse power than 1976 Renault 14. (57 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1976 Renault 14. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 491 kg more than 1976 Renault 14. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Mercury Cougar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Renault 14, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Renault 14. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Renault 14.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 1976 Renault 14 | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Cougar | 14 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2410 mm |
