1989 Buick Riviera vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1989 Buick Riviera is newer by 8 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Buick Riviera (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Riviera weights approximately 168 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 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, 1989 Buick Riviera, 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, 1989 Buick Riviera (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
1989 Buick Riviera | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Buick | Mercury |
Model | Riviera | Cougar |
Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3800 cc | 3797 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 165 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 285 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1524 kg | 1356 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1810 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2690 mm |