1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2011 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2011 Porsche Boxster 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 Porsche Boxster (255 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 21 kg more than 2011 Porsche Boxster.
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 Porsche Boxster (290 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2011 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2011 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Mercury | Porsche |
| Model | Cougar | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4371 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1293 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2416 mm |
