1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1996 Rover 800
To start off, 1996 Rover 800 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 Rover 800 (174 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Rover 800 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Rover 800 weights approximately 79 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 Rover 800, 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 Rover 800 (240 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1996 Rover 800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 1996 Rover 800 | |
| Make | Mercury | Rover |
| Model | Cougar | 800 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2780 mm |
