1998 Dodge Durango vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1998 Dodge Durango is newer by 17 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 5,899 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Durango is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Durango (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Durango should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Durango weights approximately 679 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 1998 Dodge Durango is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Mercury Cougar. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Durango will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Dodge Durango (453 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 Dodge Durango will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Durango | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Durango | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5899 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 453 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2035 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2690 mm |
