1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1998 Renault Laguna
To start off, 1998 Renault Laguna is newer by 17 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, 1998 Renault Laguna (191 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Renault Laguna should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Laguna weights approximately 94 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, 1998 Renault Laguna, 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, 1998 Renault Laguna (277 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Laguna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 1998 Renault Laguna | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Cougar | Laguna |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2945 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 191 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 277 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2680 mm |
