1999 GMC Sierra vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1999 GMC Sierra is newer by 18 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 5,325 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 GMC Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 GMC Sierra (282 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 GMC Sierra should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 GMC Sierra weights approximately 479 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 1999 GMC Sierra 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, 1999 GMC Sierra 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, 1999 GMC Sierra (440 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1999 GMC Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 GMC Sierra | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | GMC | Mercury |
| Model | Sierra | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5325 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2690 mm |
