1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara
To start off, 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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 Suzuki Grand Vitara (163 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara weights approximately 54 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 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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, 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2005 Suzuki Grand Vitara | |
| Make | Mercury | Suzuki |
| Model | Cougar | Grand Vitara |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2810 mm |
