1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 Ford Expedition
To start off, 2012 Ford Expedition 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Expedition is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Expedition (310 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Expedition should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Expedition weights approximately 1295 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, 2012 Ford Expedition (494 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Expedition will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2012 Ford Expedition | |
| Make | Mercury | Ford |
| Model | Cougar | Expedition |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 494 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 2651 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 5621 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2002 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1974 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3327 mm |
