1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 20 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 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 172 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2001 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 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
Model | Cougar | Firebird |
Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3797 cc | 5663 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 310 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 237 Nm | 461 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1528 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2570 mm |