2003 Kia Sorento vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Kia Sorento is newer by 22 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, 2003 Kia Sorento (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Sorento weights approximately 624 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 2003 Kia Sorento 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, 2003 Kia Sorento 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, 2003 Kia Sorento (314 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Kia Sorento | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Kia | Mercury |
| Model | Sorento | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2359 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 314 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1980 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2690 mm |
