1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1999 Saturn SL
To start off, 1999 Saturn SL 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 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 14 more horse power than 1999 Saturn SL. (100 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1999 Saturn SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 301 kg more than 1999 Saturn SL. 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, 1999 Saturn SL, 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 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Saturn SL. (158 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Saturn SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 1999 Saturn SL | |
| Make | Mercury | Saturn |
| Model | Cougar | SL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
