1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2012 GMC Yukon
To start off, 2012 GMC Yukon 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 GMC Yukon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 GMC Yukon (403 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 289 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 GMC Yukon should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 GMC Yukon weights approximately 1141 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 GMC Yukon (565 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 328 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 GMC Yukon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2012 GMC Yukon | |
| Make | Mercury | GMC |
| Model | Cougar | Yukon |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 403 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 565 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 2497 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 5131 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2007 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1953 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2946 mm |
