1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2003 Opel Signum
To start off, 2003 Opel Signum 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, 2003 Opel Signum (125 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Signum weights approximately 29 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.
Because 1981 Mercury Cougar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Opel Signum, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Signum. (167 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Signum.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2003 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Signum |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2500 mm |
