1997 Mercury Mystique vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1997 Mercury Mystique is newer by 16 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, 1997 Mercury Mystique (168 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Mystique should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 43 kg more than 1997 Mercury Mystique.
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, 1997 Mercury Mystique, 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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mercury Mystique. (220 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mercury Mystique.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercury Mystique | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Mystique | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1313 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2690 mm |
