1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2013 Cadillac ATS
To start off, 2013 Cadillac ATS 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 Cadillac ATS (317 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 203 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Cadillac ATS should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Cadillac ATS weights approximately 214 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 2013 Cadillac ATS 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, 2013 Cadillac ATS 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, 2013 Cadillac ATS (373 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2013 Cadillac ATS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2013 Cadillac ATS | |
| Make | Mercury | Cadillac |
| Model | Cougar | ATS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 373 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4643 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2776 mm |
