1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1997 Citroen Xantia
To start off, 1997 Citroen Xantia is newer by 16 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, 1997 Citroen Xantia (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Citroen Xantia should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen Xantia weights approximately 96 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, 1997 Citroen Xantia, 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, 1997 Citroen Xantia (267 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1997 Citroen Xantia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 1997 Citroen Xantia | |
| Make | Mercury | Citroen |
| Model | Cougar | Xantia |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2750 mm |
