2002 Mazda 6 vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2002 Mazda 6 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 Mazda 6 (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 6 weights approximately 134 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 2002 Mazda 6 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, 2002 Mazda 6 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, 1981 Mercury Cougar (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 6. (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda 6 | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | 6 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2690 mm |
