1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Mazda 6
To start off, 2011 Mazda 6 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 Mazda 6 (272 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 6 weights approximately 253 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 Mazda 6, 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, 2011 Mazda 6 (364 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2011 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Mercury | Mazda |
| Model | Cougar | 6 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 272 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1609 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1839 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2789 mm |
