1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2005 Mini Cooper is newer by 24 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, both vehicles can yield 114 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 231 kg more than 2005 Mini Cooper.
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, 2005 Mini Cooper, 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mini Cooper. (150 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mercury | Mini |
| Model | Cougar | Cooper |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 3630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2470 mm |
