1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1998 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1998 Renault Safrane 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1998 Renault Safrane. (113 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1998 Renault Safrane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Safrane weights approximately 344 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, 1998 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, 1998 Renault Safrane (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Safrane 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 Safrane | |
| Make | Mercury | Renault |
| Model | Cougar | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2188 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2770 mm |
