2003 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1981 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E 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 Mercedes-Benz E (161 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1981 Mercury Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 364 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mercedes-Benz E (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Mercury Cougar. (237 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Mercury Cougar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz E | 1981 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercury |
| Model | E | Cougar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2597 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2690 mm |
