1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2005 Nissan Maxima 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, 2005 Nissan Maxima (276 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 222 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, 2005 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2005 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Maxima |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 3507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2660 mm |
