1990 Ford Aerostar vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1990 Ford Aerostar is newer by 9 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 3,973 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Ford Aerostar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ford Aerostar (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Aerostar should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Aerostar weights approximately 59 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, 1990 Ford Aerostar (298 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Aerostar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Aerostar | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Aerostar | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3973 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2690 mm |
