1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1987 Renault 5
To start off, 1987 Renault 5 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Renault 5 (118 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 498 kg more than 1987 Renault 5.
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, 1987 Renault 5, 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 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Renault 5. (165 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Renault 5.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 1987 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Cougar | 5 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 858 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 3600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2410 mm |
