1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1990 Saab 900
To start off, 1990 Saab 900 is newer by 9 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, 1990 Saab 900 (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Saab 900 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 56 kg more than 1990 Saab 900.
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, 1990 Saab 900, 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 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Saab 900. (181 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 1990 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Mercury | Saab |
| Model | Cougar | 900 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2530 mm |
