1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 1999 TVR Chimaera
To start off, 1999 TVR Chimaera 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 4,546 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 TVR Chimaera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 TVR Chimaera (282 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 TVR Chimaera should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 296 kg more than 1999 TVR Chimaera.
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 TVR Chimaera (306 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1999 TVR Chimaera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 1999 TVR Chimaera | |
| Make | Mercury | TVR |
| Model | Cougar | Chimaera |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 4546 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2290 mm |
