1996 Ford Probe vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1996 Ford Probe is newer by 15 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, 1996 Ford Probe (118 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 126 kg more than 1996 Ford Probe.
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, 1996 Ford Probe, 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Probe. (170 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Probe.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Ford Probe | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
Make | Ford | Mercury |
Model | Probe | Cougar |
Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1991 cc | 3797 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 118 HP | 114 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 170 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1356 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2690 mm |