1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1988 Pontiac Banshee
To start off, 1988 Pontiac Banshee is newer by 7 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 4,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Banshee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Pontiac Banshee (227 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Pontiac Banshee should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Banshee weights approximately 325 kg more than 1981 Mercury Cougar. 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.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 1988 Pontiac Banshee | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Cougar | Banshee |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 4042 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1681 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2670 mm |
