1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2006 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy (242 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Subaru Legacy weights approximately 277 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 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy 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 Subaru Legacy (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Mercury | Subaru |
| Model | Cougar | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1633 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2680 mm |
