2002 Ford Mondeo vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Ford Mondeo is newer by 21 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, 2002 Ford Mondeo (222 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 150 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 1981 Mercury Cougar 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 Mercury Cougar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Ford Mondeo, 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, 2002 Ford Mondeo (280 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Mondeo | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Mondeo | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 222 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2690 mm |
