1991 Dodge Spirit vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1991 Dodge Spirit is newer by 10 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, 1991 Dodge Spirit (150 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Dodge Spirit should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 40 kg more than 1991 Dodge Spirit.
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, 1991 Dodge Spirit, 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, 1991 Dodge Spirit (245 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1991 Dodge Spirit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Dodge Spirit | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Spirit | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1316 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2690 mm |
