2001 Mercury Cougar vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (123 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 162 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Nissan Laurel 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 Nissan Laurel. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar, 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (222 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercury Cougar | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mercury | Nissan |
| Model | Cougar | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2543 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 196 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1407 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
