1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero
To start off, 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero is newer by 22 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 1 more horse power than 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero weights approximately 552 kg more than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Because 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2003 Mitsubishi Pajero | |
| Make | Mercury | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Cougar | Pajero |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2376 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1908 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2730 mm |
