1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Ford Transit Connect
To start off, 2011 Ford Transit Connect 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 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Transit Connect (136 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Transit Connect should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Transit Connect weights approximately 188 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 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, 2011 Ford Transit Connect, 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 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Transit Connect. (173 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Transit Connect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2011 Ford Transit Connect | |
| Make | Mercury | Ford |
| Model | Cougar | Transit Connect |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Panel Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1544 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 2014 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2911 mm |
