1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Acura TL
To start off, 2012 Acura TL is newer by 31 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, 2012 Acura TL (305 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Acura TL weights approximately 409 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 2012 Acura TL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Acura TL will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Acura TL (370 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Acura TL | |
| Make | Mercury | Acura |
| Model | Cougar | TL |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| 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 | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4928 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2776 mm |
