1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 Rover 45
To start off, 2006 Rover 45 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 Rover 45 (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Rover 45 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 120 kg more than 2006 Rover 45.
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, 2006 Rover 45, 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Rover 45. (160 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Rover 45.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Rover 45 | |
| Make | Mercury | Rover |
| Model | Cougar | 45 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1236 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2630 mm |
