1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mariner is newer by 25 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner (153 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 569 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 2006 Mercury Mariner 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, 2006 Mercury Mariner 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 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Cougar | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2262 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2630 mm |
