1982 Mercury Cougar vs. 2006 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2006 Nissan 350Z is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 3,491 cc, 2006 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan 350Z (300 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (91 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 225 kg more than 1982 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, 2006 Nissan 350Z (353 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercury Cougar. (164 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Mercury Cougar | 2006 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 3491 cc |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4960 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2660 mm |
