1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2011 Jaguar XJ 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Jaguar XJ (385 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 479 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.
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 Jaguar XJ (515 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 278 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2011 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2011 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Mercury | Jaguar |
| Model | Cougar | XJ |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 385 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 515 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 5123 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1448 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3033 mm |
