1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 Mitsubishi Lancer (276 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 184 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 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 Mitsubishi Lancer 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, 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer (542 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Mercury | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Cougar | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 542 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2630 mm |
