1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2013 Acura ILX
To start off, 2013 Acura ILX is newer by 32 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, 2013 Acura ILX (198 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Acura ILX should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 9 kg more than 2013 Acura ILX.
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, 2013 Acura ILX, 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Acura ILX. (230 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Acura ILX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2013 Acura ILX | |
| Make | Mercury | Acura |
| Model | Cougar | ILX |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1347 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1794 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1412 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2670 mm |
