1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1999 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1999 Toyota MR2 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, 1999 Toyota MR2 (127 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 371 kg more than 1999 Toyota MR2.
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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Toyota MR2. (176 Nm). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 1999 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Cougar | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2460 mm |
