1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 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 Chevrolet Cruze (161 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 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, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze (360 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Cruze will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Mercury | Chevrolet |
| Model | Cougar | Cruze |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4597 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2685 mm |
