1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1999 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 18 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 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Pontiac Firebird (148 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 230 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 Pontiac Firebird (454 Nm) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm). This means 1999 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Mercury Cougar | 1999 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
Model | Cougar | Firebird |
Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3797 cc | 5700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 237 Nm | 454 Nm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1586 kg |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1900 mm |