1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1996 Nissan Patrol
To start off, 1996 Nissan Patrol 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, both vehicles can yield 114 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 632 kg more than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
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 Nissan Patrol, 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Nissan Patrol. (225 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Nissan Patrol.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 1996 Nissan Patrol | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Patrol |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2824 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1988 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1810 mm |
