1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2009 Nissan Versa
To start off, 2009 Nissan Versa is newer by 28 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 7 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Versa. (107 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Versa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Versa weights approximately 86 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, 2009 Nissan Versa, 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 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Versa. (151 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Versa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2009 Nissan Versa | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Versa |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| 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 | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2610 mm |
