1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1997 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1997 Renault Safrane 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 Renault Safrane (142 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Renault Safrane should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Renault Safrane weights approximately 169 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 Renault Safrane, 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 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Renault Safrane.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Mercury Cougar | 1997 Renault Safrane | |
Make | Mercury | Renault |
Model | Cougar | Safrane |
Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 142 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 237 Nm | 200 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1525 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4740 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2770 mm |