1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2008 Opel Zafira
To start off, 2008 Opel Zafira is newer by 27 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2008 Opel Zafira. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2008 Opel Zafira. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Zafira weights approximately 37 kg more than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
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, 2008 Opel Zafira, 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Opel Zafira. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Opel Zafira.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2008 Opel Zafira | |
| Make | Mercury | Opel |
| Model | Cougar | Zafira |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1393 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2700 mm |
