1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2007 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2007 Subaru Outback is newer by 26 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, 2007 Subaru Outback (243 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Subaru Outback weights approximately 232 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 2007 Subaru Outback 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, 2007 Subaru Outback 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, 2007 Subaru Outback (327 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2007 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2007 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Mercury | Subaru |
| Model | Cougar | Outback |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 243 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 327 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1588 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2680 mm |
