1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2008 Toyota Avensis
To start off, 2008 Toyota Avensis 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, both vehicles can yield 114 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Avensis weights approximately 149 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 Toyota Avensis, 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, 2008 Toyota Avensis (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Avensis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2008 Toyota Avensis | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Cougar | Avensis |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
