1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche is newer by 30 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 5,300 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 95 kg more than 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche (454 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2011 Chevrolet Avalanche | |
| Make | Mercury | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cougar | Avalanche |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 5300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 5630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3310 mm |
