1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2000 Lexus IS
To start off, 2000 Lexus IS is newer by 19 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, 2000 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Lexus IS weights approximately 44 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2000 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Mercury | Lexus |
| Model | Cougar | IS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2680 mm |
