1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 Pontiac Vibe
To start off, 2006 Pontiac Vibe 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 Pontiac Vibe (119 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac Vibe should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 99 kg more than 2006 Pontiac Vibe.
Because 2006 Pontiac Vibe 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 Pontiac Vibe 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 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Pontiac Vibe. (156 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Pontiac Vibe.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Pontiac Vibe | |
| Make | Mercury | Pontiac |
| Model | Cougar | Vibe |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1257 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2610 mm |
