1981 Mercury Cougar vs. 2013 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2013 Toyota Tacoma 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Toyota Tacoma (233 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Tacoma should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 517 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, 2013 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2013 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Cougar | 2013 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mercury | Toyota |
| Model | Cougar | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3797 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 233 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1873 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 5286 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1781 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 3246 mm |
