1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Verada
To start off, 1996 Mitsubishi Verada is newer by 15 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Verada (197 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Verada should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Verada weights approximately 154 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.
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, 1996 Mitsubishi Verada, 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, 1996 Mitsubishi Verada (301 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Mitsubishi Verada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 1996 Mitsubishi Verada | |
| Make | Mercury | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Cougar | Verada |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2730 mm |
