2000 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2000 Mercury Mountaineer 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 4,014 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercury Mountaineer (208 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 569 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 2000 Mercury Mountaineer 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 Mercury Mountaineer 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 Mercury Mountaineer (325 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2000 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Mercury Mountaineer | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercury | Mercury |
| Model | Mountaineer | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4014 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1925 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2690 mm |
