2000 Mazda 626 vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2000 Mazda 626 is newer by 19 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2000 Mazda 626. (100 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 2000 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mazda 626 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Because 2000 Mazda 626 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, 2000 Mazda 626 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, 2000 Mazda 626 (392 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2000 Mazda 626 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mazda 626 | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 626 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4610 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2690 mm |
